(AP Photo)
Paul Collingwood, England’s former interim head coach, suggested a spin-heavy approach for the defending champions ahead of their critical ICC T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final against India in Guyana on Thursday, June 27.
Assessing the pitch conditions and the performance of England’s spinners, Collingwood hinted that the team might consider deploying four spinners in their lineup for the second semi-final of the ongoing tournament, depending on the conditions.
Paul Collingwood has recommended deploying a four-spinner strategy for England in the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final against India. He was particularly impressed by Adil Rashid’s standout performance in the tournament, where Rashid claimed nine wickets across seven matches with an economy rate of 6.70. Collingwood indicated that Rashid’s form would heavily influence England’s team selection for the crucial match against India.
In addition to Rashid, Collingwood highlighted the depth and versatility in England’s spin department. He pointed out Moeen Ali’s dual role as a seasoned all-rounder, offering both spin bowling prowess and batting depth. Liam Livingstone, known for his variations in leg-spin and off-spin, provides further flexibility to England’s bowling attack.
Collingwood also suggested the potential inclusion of Will Jacks, emphasizing his off-spin capabilities, especially if the pitch conditions in Guyana favor spin. However, he stressed the importance of adapting to the conditions and selecting a well-balanced team capable of exploiting any weaknesses in the Indian lineup.
The cricket analyst acknowledged that a dry pitch in Guyana could prompt England to bolster their spin resources strategically against India, who have maintained an unbeaten record in the T20 World Cup 2024 with victories in all their group and Super 8 matches so far.
Paul Collingwood – Adil Rashid is on top of his game and this is the beauty of the World Cup
Paul Collingwood said on Star Sports Press Room: “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.”
Collingwood added, “I think Adil Rashid is on top of his game and this is the beauty of the World Cup. 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’s seem to be so difficult to pick. And he’s got real good deception. Now in T20 cricket, deception is key.”
