‘We are never out of games’: Harry Brook sounds warning as England eye India upset in T20 World Cup semis
NEW DELHI: On the eve of a high-voltage T20 World Cup semifinal against India, England captain Harry Brook has made one thing clear — his side thrives when the pressure is at its peak.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
England’s journey to the last four has been anything but smooth. They scraped through the group stage with gritty wins over Nepal, Scotland and Italy, and endured a heavy defeat to the West Indies. But in the Super Eights, Brook’s men flipped the switch, going unbeaten against Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand — the latter requiring a nerve-shredding 43 runs off the final 18 balls.
“We are managing to scrape along in close games and that is the sign of a good side,” Brook told Sky Sports Cricket. “I have learned you are never out of games. I know I have players with a lot of character, a willingness to win, wanting to win a lot, but also that calmness under pressure.”
That belief, he insists, is what makes England formidable heading into a semifinal against the hosts. “I want to make it as uncomfortable as possible for the batter coming in at all times,” he added, underlining England’s aggressive mindset.
Despite lean returns from white-ball great Jos Buttler and inconsistent outings from Phil Salt, Brook has thrown his weight behind his top order. “I think Jos should be left alone. He is one of the best players to have ever played the game and I can see him coming good,” he said. “We have so many powerful players in the top seven that if one comes off, the opposition are scratching their heads.”
Brook also reserved special praise for all-rounder Will Jacks, calling his first proper World Cup “phenomenal”. “He has embraced that position and done exceptionally well. The character he has shown has been awesome.”
With India backed by a roaring home crowd, Brook knows the stage will be daunting. “It is going to be loud… a massive occasion with a hell of a lot of pressure for both sides,” he said.
But if England’s campaign has proved anything, it is this: write them off at your own peril.
Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 updates, including the full schedule, teams, live scores, points table, and key series stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.
Israel attacks Iran
England’s journey to the last four has been anything but smooth. They scraped through the group stage with gritty wins over Nepal, Scotland and Italy, and endured a heavy defeat to the West Indies. But in the Super Eights, Brook’s men flipped the switch, going unbeaten against Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand — the latter requiring a nerve-shredding 43 runs off the final 18 balls.
“We are managing to scrape along in close games and that is the sign of a good side,” Brook told Sky Sports Cricket. “I have learned you are never out of games. I know I have players with a lot of character, a willingness to win, wanting to win a lot, but also that calmness under pressure.”
That belief, he insists, is what makes England formidable heading into a semifinal against the hosts. “I want to make it as uncomfortable as possible for the batter coming in at all times,” he added, underlining England’s aggressive mindset.
Despite lean returns from white-ball great Jos Buttler and inconsistent outings from Phil Salt, Brook has thrown his weight behind his top order. “I think Jos should be left alone. He is one of the best players to have ever played the game and I can see him coming good,” he said. “We have so many powerful players in the top seven that if one comes off, the opposition are scratching their heads.”
With India backed by a roaring home crowd, Brook knows the stage will be daunting. “It is going to be loud… a massive occasion with a hell of a lot of pressure for both sides,” he said.
But if England’s campaign has proved anything, it is this: write them off at your own peril.
Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 updates, including the full schedule, teams, live scores, points table, and key series stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.
Top Comment
T
Thakur
18 hours ago
Abhishek’s fearless batting was thriving with a confidence that “he is the only one” … with Ishan matching and outshining him he has got that competitive doubt on his mind… only Gambhir can solve this … I guess he tried by picking Sanju and moving Ishan to 1 down … but now Sanju has fired as well… They gotta talk Abhishek and tell him he is no. 1 in world … if he plays with clear mind … he is unchallengedRead allPost comment
Popular from Sports
- 'They cannot come to our level': Mohammad Kaif fires back at Mohammad Amir in explosive rant
- India’s biggest weakness exposed? Former India keeper raises red flag before England clash
- T20 World Cup 2026: India, England ready for shootout at Wankhede
- 'Time to celebrate a little, but eyes on Sunday's final': Finn Allen after record T20 World Cup century
- 'There's a little window to attack Sanju Samson': Faf du Plessis gives Jofra Archer the blueprint
end of article
Featured in sports
- T20 World Cup 2026: India, England ready for shootout at Wankhede
- WC controversy: Pak player fined after alleged misconduct with female hotel staff
- How Shivam Dube became India’s man for clutch moments
- Live Updates: Arjun–Saaniya wedding festivities begin; stars light up pre-wedding ceremony
- Ahead of semis, Varun puts in massive shift with Morne Morkel
- Imperfect rivals look for perfect night: India, Eng clash in third straight semifinal
International Sports
- Stefon Diggs turns down Patriots’ contract restructure as $26.5M cap hit sparks departure
- Why is Myles Garrett being cited again? New report raises concerns about the Browns' defender
- Bo Nix and daughter Riley Belle share unforgettable birthday connection as Denver Broncos star’s wife Izzy Nix makes personal announcement
- NFL Rumors: Steelers releasing Jonnu Smith in $7 million cap-saving move ahead of free agency
- NFL Trade Rumors: Mike Evans free agency buzz grows with $5.95B powerhouse emerging as top contender
Trending Stories
- US-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: Tanker hit by ‘large explosion’ off Kuwait, causing oil spill; Iran launches missiles at Israel
- Gold, Silver Rate Today Live Update: Gold, silver rise on continued Middle East crisis; investors run to safe haven assets
- Lou Holtz's cause of death: How did legendary Notre Dame football coach die?
04:25 Nitish Kumar heads for Rajya Sabha, paves way for BJP CM in Bihar- India’s biggest weakness exposed? Former India keeper raises red flag before England clash
- Maharashtra transporters strike: Trucks, buses, taxis to go off roads from Friday; Rs 3,500cr e-challan dues trigger ‘chakka jam’
- T20 World Cup 2026: India, England ready for shootout at Wankhede
Photostories
- Before 'Toxic’: The Kannada daily soaps that shaped pan-India star Yash’s early career
- Top 7 tallest buildings in New York
- Tourists beware: Strict international laws abroad that can land tourists in serious trouble
- Baby names inspired by victory and success
- 7 effective ways to keep pigeons away from balcony and windows
- Friday OTT releases (March 6, 2026): 7 new movies from 'Gandhi Talks,' 'Baby Girl' to 'Granny'
- Who wore what at Arjun Tendulkar and Saaniya Chandhok’s flashy pre-wedding party
- Fatty liver disease is rising: 8 common NAFLD myths doctors want you to stop believing
- Sudha Chandran recalls losing her leg in an accident at 16; says, “I have lived more of my life with my prosthetic leg than with my original leg”
- 8 desi-style broccoli dishes for a filling lunch
Up Next