A STATEMENT OF INTENT AS ENGLAND CHASE WHITE BALL CRICKET HISTORY
ENGLAND got their T20 World Cup campaign under way in supreme fashion with a six-wicket win over the West Indies that left Eoin Morgan purring: “It’s as good as it gets.” Bidding to become the first side to hold both limited-overs World Cups simultaneously, having scooped the 50-over crown in 2019, England made a statement of intent against the defending T20 champions on a steamy evening in Dubai.
They had never before beaten the Windies in five previous attempts in this competition, most recently losing an epic 2016 final.
But the Windies were left needing a miracle even bigger than the one Carlos Brathwaite conjured five years ago after dramatically collapsing to the third lowest total in the tournament’s history.
Adil Rashid cleaned up the tail, taking four wickets for just two runs in 2.2 overs for England’s best bowling analysis in T20s, with fellow spinner Moeen Ali and leftarm fast bowler Tymal Mills both recording two for 17. After Jos Buttler’s 24 not out from 22 balls helped England reel in the target in only 8.2 overs, Morgan said: “I think it’s as good as it gets to start a world tournament like that.
“Full credit has to go to our bowling unit, we stuck to our guns and the guys were very disciplined. We fielded well, took our chances and built pressure and momentum to create the rest of the chances throughout the innings.”
It was a heart-warming return to international cricket after four injury-plagued years for Mills, restricted to bowling in the shorter formats because of a congenital back condition, and he was lauded by Morgan afterwards. Morgan said: “I’m delighted for big T. He’s had an incredibly unfortunate journey throughout his career right from the start. Up until now he’s as good as I’ve seen, both fit and bowling fit.
“I’m absolutely delighted that not only he was back on the field for us but contributing in the manner that he has in the past in a Sussex shirt.” England omitted injured Mark Wood although it is hoped he will be OK for tomorrow’s next Super 12 contest against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi.