Captain Jos Buttler said that England will try their best to not allow the fans to see an India vs Pakistan ICC T20 World Cup 2022 final ahead of the second semi-final clash against the Men in Blue at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday (November 10).
While New Zealand is taking on Pakistan in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2022 at the SCG on Wednesday, the second semi-final will be played between England and India on Thursday, and Buttler said that the Three Lions would try their best to spoil the party of those hoping to see an India-Pakistan final at the T20 World Cup 2022 at the MCG on November 13.
Jos Buttler said at the pre-match press conference in Adelaide: “We certainly don't want to see an India versus Pakistan final, and we will try to spoil their party. They are a good team.”
On England’s preparations for the big clash against Team India, the skipper said: “We have got to the point where we wanted to be. Everyone is excited about playing in the semifinal. Obviously, we are really excited about the match against a great Indian team. We like to be in such a situation.”
Buttler also revealed that England’s key players, David Malan and Mark Wood, are doubtful for the semi-final clash against India while hinting at giving Phil Salt a chance at the Adelaide Oval.
He continued, “Both Malan and Wood are doubtful. But we would see how they are on match day. We trust our medical team. We need guys to be fit. Full faith in every member of our squad. Going back to the Pakistan tour, we gave chance to a lot of youngsters and they did well. Phil Salt has a fantastic mindset, especially for T20Is. He is someone who looks to perform.”
While facing India's in-form seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the star wicketkeeper-batsman denied any fear but admitted Yuzvendra Chahal could pose a threat to England if he gets to play in the semi-final.
Buttler said, “He (Bhuvneshwar) is a good bowler, but I certainly don't fear him. I think spinners play a huge role in T20 cricket by taking wickets in the middle overs. Taking wickets stems the flow of runs. Yuzi (Chahal) is a great bowler. He is a wicket-taking bowler.”
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On being asked about England’s game plan and if he takes inputs from Eoin Morgan, the England captain said: “We know that the way we play, we have a chance of winning. We want to stick to our plan. I speak to Eoin quite a lot. He is a great player, but I lead the team in my way. But he is a great mate.”
He added, “Historically, 165 is a par score (in Adelaide), but we would not like to have a par score. We would like to have a winning total. The wicket looks consistent for 40 overs throughout.”
Buttler signed off by saying on in-form Suryakumar Yadav, “He has been great to watch. He is a batter who has a lot of shots, but you need one ball to dismiss the batter and we would be desperate to do that.”
(With ANI Inputs)
