Alex Hales feels he and his England teammates are in good shape to deal with the unique pressure of a World Cup semi-final, as India stand in the way of the Three Lions’ progression to the final.
The Notts opener got his side off to a flier with a fluent 47 in a must-win clash with Sri Lanka, before Jos Buttler’s men ultimately prevailed by four wickets in a nervy conclusion.
As an all-star side from the subcontinent await, Hales retains his faith in the abilities of himself and his teammates.
“England have always risen to the big occasion over the last few years, and that’s the sign of a really good team,” he said.
“We’ve got matchwinners and confident cricketers in our side, and I feel in good form now that the crunch games are coming up.
“I’m trying not to beat myself up too much for my slow start in the competition, and I’m looking to cash in now that the pitches are better to bat on in the Powerplay.
“Adelaide [host venue for the semi-final] is a good venue to bat at more often than not, so hopefully I can take that forward.”
Alongside his skipper, Buttler, Hales heads an England batting line-up packed with big-hitting talent – and he feels the flexibility this provides can be crucial.
“With the layout of our squad meaning we have an extra batter, we've got a middle-order that is so strong,” he said.
“We’ve got guys who can strike quite easily at a rate of 200, and I think it's a very confident batting unit.”
England’s last-four clash with India promises to be a blue-riband occasion – and whatever the outcome, Hales has relished the ride so far.
“To have the chance to play knockout cricket in a World Cup is special,” he said.
“The semi-final should be an epic game – India always get amazing support and the Adelaide Oval is one of the best grounds in the world in my opinion.
“To progress to the final, and then to go all the way, would be the icing on the cake.”
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England v New Zealand at Trent Bridge
The razzmatazz of short form cricket, delivered in a family friendly atmosphere, with our traditional touch of class.
England and New Zealand meet in a Vitality IT20 at Trent Bridge on Tuesday 5 September 2023, and we can’t wait for the action to, really rather rapidly, unfold.