Swann Calls England-Australia Clash a “Must-Win” After Washout Against Scotland
Ahead of England’s crucial T20 World Cup clash against Australia, former spinner Graeme Swann believes the match has now become a “must-win” encounter for Jos Buttler’s side after their opening washout against Scotland.
The Group B encounter at the Kensington Oval in Barbados was abandoned due to rain, with each team earning a point. Though optimistic about England’s chances of retaining the title, Swann acknowledged that the team looked “sloppy in patches” and failed to take a wicket against a spirited Scottish outfit led by George Munsey and Michael Jones.
“I have to apologise to all Scotland fans because you obviously took the weather out with you so it is your own fault that you didn’t get the win,” Swann quipped, before adding, “It is very difficult to enter a tournament if you are not 100 per cent and going at it. I don’t think England were on the money and were a bit sloppy and that showed in the fact that Scotland looked the better team.”
Swann, a member of England’s triumphant 2010 T20 World Cup squad, believes the team’s next game against old foes Australia is now a must-win encounter to keep their title defense aspirations alive.
“I do think it puts the next game against Australia as a must win. They need to go with a very aggressive attitude and take them on. If they go at them hard they can win,” he said.
The return of pace spearhead Jofra Archer is seen as a major boost for England’s chances, with Swann confident that the team’s bowling lineup, including the likes of Mark Wood and experienced spinners, can power them to glory.
“With Jofra Archer back in the team and that sheer pace he has got England look very, very dominant on paper but it didn’t quite happen on the field,” he noted.
Despite the underwhelming start, the ever-optimistic Swann believes England can lift the trophy for the second successive edition, though he also warned of the threat posed by the likes of India, who he feels are “desperate to win an ICC tournament” after their recent IPL success.
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