Michael Vaughan has backed England to defeat India in Thursday’s ICC T20 World Cup semi final, arguing that Harry Brook’s side hold an advantage in spin.
The former England captain pointed to what he sees as greater depth in England’s slow bowling resources and suggested that India’s Varun Chakaravarthy has been expensive in recent matches.
“England have a better spin attack than India,” Vaughan said on the Test Match Special podcast. “[Varun] Chakaravarthy has been got at. (Liam) Dawson, (Adil) Rashid and Will Jacks have been the best trio in the tournament in terms of spin.”
England won all three Super Eights fixtures against Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand, though their campaign has included setbacks. They were beaten by West Indies and faced close contests against Nepal and another Associate opponent. Vaughan said their ability to secure results has been decisive.
“They seem to have found a way of winning,” Vaughan said. “The win against New Zealand, even though a dead rubber, to get over the line was a great effort.”
Beyond spin, Vaughan identified the pace unit of Jofra Archer, Sam Curran and Jamie Overton as central to England’s prospects in Mumbai.
“I just have a funny feeling England can get the job done in Mumbai,” he said. “England’s fielding has been absolutely exceptional. They look really alert. England’s running between the wickets has been exceptional. The small- percentage things you can control, England seem to be doing very well.”
One concern remains the form of opener Jos Buttler, who has been dismissed for single figures in his last five innings. Vaughan encouraged him to rely on instinct rather than over analysing his method.
“You always look at your technique when you are not feeling as good as you have done,” the 2005 Ashes-winning captain said. “Jos is a hand-eye player. Just stare right in the middle of the ball and react to the deliveries.
“The shots he hasn’t been playing are the ramp shots. I think this pitch (at the Wankhede Stadium) will suit that shot and to play that shot you have to stare at the ball right onto the bat. When he is playing well he gets those shots out early.”