England could actually go with four spinners against India in semi-final: Paul Collingwood

England. (Source – Getty Images)

India and England are set to cross swords in the second semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 on June 27 in Guyana and there has been too much buzz around the event. While India will eye the silverware to end their 11-year ICC Trophy drought, England will put their best foot forward to retain the precious trophy. 

Talking around the same, former England skipper Paul Collingwood opened up on the probable bowling combination of the defending champions. He feels that Adil Rashid has been absolutely valuable for them in the tournament so far and with the spinner being a sure shot in the XI, England might go with four spin options against Inda.

Speaking exclusively during the Star Sports Press Room, former England captain Paul Collingwood spoke about Adil Rashid’s importance in the middle overs. He said, “He is a golden nugget for the England cricket team. When he comes on naturally in the sixth over, I think the one thing about Rashid is, his wrong’uns seem to be so difficult to pick. And he’s got real good deception. Now in T20 cricket, deception is key. Whether it’s slower balls, or being able to turn the ball both ways, and he is looking really comfortable at the moment. Indian batsmen generally play spin very well, but I think Adil Rashid, the way that he is bowling at the moment, we just have to wait and see what the conditions are like. There’s a chance that England could actually go with four spinners themselves.

“Obviously, Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone, who is actually an all-rounder who can bowl leg-spin and off-spin. And you never know, if the wickets are so dry, you can go with Will Jacks as well. So, plenty of options, but I think Adil Rashid is on top of his game, and this is the beauty of the World Cup. You’re gonna have a leg spinner now at the top of his game, confident, up against some of the best batters in the world. And that’s why it’s gonna be such a good spectacle, and we’re all down to see it.”

Former India pacer Sreesanth lauded Rohit Sharma’s tactical brilliance under whom the Men in Blue have been undefeated in the tournament so far. The former pacer said while people talk a lot about MS Dhoni’s tactical acumen, Rohit is no less and makes the best use of players with his clever decisions, surprising his own team many times.

Former Indian pacer S. Sreesanth talked about Rohit Sharma’s tactical brilliance. He said, “Tactically, if you look at Axar Patel, a lot of people were questioning Axar Patel’s ability in the middle overs. Whenever he’s got an opportunity, he’s come out with those crucial breakthroughs. In fact, even his economy rate is so low that it helps the other bowlers. And the catch which Axar took, I think for me, that was the game-changer. Axar even said, ‘I was not expecting the catch, but I just went with both hands and it happened to me.’ That is because preparation is key. Rohit believes in that ability. We always talk about Mahi Bhai (MS Dhoni) and how we won the World Cup and his street smartness. I think Rohit has got the same capability where he can surprise his own teammates.

“He might suddenly call up his teammates and say ‘be ready.’ Rohit believes in his instincts and intuition. So, even when the captain does that and surprises his own teammates and tells every bowler to be ready like Mahi Bhai used to do. He used to tell us, ‘Shree (Sreesanth) be ready, Ajit (Agarkar) be ready, Bhajji (Harbhajan) be ready.’ You can be called at any time because that’s how games are won with street smartness.”

Brad Hogg shared his thoughts on whether India should play Chahal instead of Jadeja against England. He said, “It’s a day game, so the wicket might be a little bit dry. But this is the good thing about the Indian squad—they’ve got depth in spin. They knew that when they got to the West Indies, they were going to play more spin than pace. But they’ve still got Siraj there that they can bring in, and they’ve got Hardik Pandya, so they’ve got more pace options if they want up their sleeve. Will they bring in Chahal? I wouldn’t bring in Chahal right now. I’d stick with Jadeja. You’ve got to stick with the playing XI that you’re going with. I love the thought of the question, though.

“Chahal against England would be okay. But there’s a couple of left-handers in the batting lineup for England as well, which could do a little bit of damage. Kuldeep Yadav has been bowling exceptionally well, and Axar Patel has been going well. Jadeja hasn’t been that flash, but he gives you so much in the field, as well as with the bat. And he’s a player that, in the right conditions, he can also lift with the ball. If it’s not turning and if it suits pace, I reckon Jadeja is a better option than Chahal as well. So, I’d stick with Jadeja.”