“We know we have to do better.”
Will Jacks was right on target when asked about England’s prospects in the T20 Ward Cup after a hard-fought victory over Italy at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens to secure a Super 8 spot.
The 2010 and 2022 champions remain contenders for another title, but they are far from favorites at the moment compared to undefeated India and South Africa, for example.
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Highlights from Kolkata as England narrowly beat Italy to qualify for the T20 World Cup Super 8s
Three narrow wins against associate member nations and a mediocre loss against the only Test participating nation in the West Indies do not fully fill confidence going forward.
Perhaps a change of scenery – England will play all three of their Super 8s in Sri Lanka, although they have so far only been in India – will shake Harry Brook’s side out of their funk.
They thrashed Sri Lanka 3-0 in T20s on the island ahead of the World Cup, raising hopes that they could pose a real threat in the upcoming big tournament. But that hasn’t happened yet.
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England captain Harry Brook and all-rounder Will Jacks reflect on the disastrous defeat against Italy at Eden Gardens
They were on the verge of defeat by a swashbuckling Nepal, but an icy Sam Curran defended 10 in the final over. Surrendered during pursuit with West Indies. And against Scotland, he took a wicket before he even crossed the line.
Italy also struggled, and England, thanks to Jack’s 21-ball half-century from No. 7, pushed them to 202-7 after their batsmen up the order were unable to get off to a good start due to a disorganized batting line-up, not for the first time in the tournament.
Then, after reducing Italy to 22-3, they were given the ball and could have, perhaps even had a chance of losing, with the Jacks missing Ben Manenti for 60 off 25 balls. At times England seemed clueless as to how to stop the onslaught.
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Watch how Jofra Archer eliminated Italy’s JJ Smuts and Anthony Mosca for a duck in Kolkata
Knight: What are England’s bowling plans?
Sky Sports’ Nick Knight said: “It was a really disappointing performance. They did what they had to do but I would have liked to have seen some real authority with the bat and ball.”
“England took some early wickets and then stopped and seemed to drift away, thinking the game was over. They got banged up by their short bowling, lost consistency and lost their plan.
“If Adil Rashid can’t bowl well in the middle overs, I worry that he doesn’t have enough sharpness to regain control.”
Brook was hit over the shoulder against Scotland, just as he was for The Ashes, and then against Italy he chased and clipped an innocuous wide ball after beating the target with his previous two balls.
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Brook was bowled out in the fourth, sixth and out in an eventful battle with Italian spinner JJ Smuts.
Jos Buttler has bowled nine innings in international cricket this year for the first time in half a century and has been out in the middle of the third innings in his last two matches, while opening partner Phil Salt hasn’t hit 50 from six innings.
This top-flight alliance, which has been a key part of England’s machine, averages $46 and has delivered nearly 1,200 T20 internationals, is suddenly dysfunctional.
Knight added: “One of Salt’s big strengths is that he attacks the bowler immediately, giving Buttler time to find his way. But can Salt give himself a little more time while on the trot?”
“You don’t want to be negative. And I think they were tentative at times, but it’s a very fine line.”
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Jos Buttler’s performance in the T20 World Cup continued as he was caught as a substitute in three games.
Hussein: England need to switch up more
Knight’s fellow pundit Nasser Hussain added: “Nothing to say to Salt – he has four T20I hundreds – but it might be worth reminding Buttler that he is the best white-ball player England has ever had and if he hits 15 overs he will probably win the match with his bat.”
“I want England to switch things up a bit more.
“Jacob Bethel has swept out two games in a row on a pitch that has produced the most wickets before top-edging sweeps. On the last ball of the innings against Italy, Jofra Archer failed to get a walkover, which cost New Zealand a place in the 2019 World Cup finals.”
“If I’m in the dugout and I’m a coach, I’m going to say in my head: ‘We might beat Italy, we might beat Nepal, but we need to think about what’s to come and improve.’
Knight added: “I think England’s attack doesn’t suit India’s situation, so I think it’s a godsend for England to move to Sri Lanka.”
“The spinners can get a lot more fit now, get a bit of grip and develop a bowling attack that relies heavily on Rashid and Archer.
“We know we will have to go back to India for the semi-finals and finals once they arrive in India, but for now it will give us confidence.”
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Jacks’ 50th innings in his first T20 international, the best innings that saved Italy vs England.
The high points were Curran’s death bowling and Jacks’ lower order batting, both of which staved off embarrassing results against Nepal and Italy.
Now others need to come forward too.
In Jacks’ words, England “have to be better”. It is unlikely that further mistakes will go unpunished.
Watch every match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup live on Sky Sports Cricket, including the final on Sunday 8th March. Get Sky Sports and stream now without a contract.
