“England should not take their semi-final match lightly,” says former England skipper Naseer Hussain. He has made it quite clear that South African team is not so easy to beat, especially when the likes of Dale Steyn and Chris Morris are looking in good rhythm.
Hussain was quoted by The Times of India saying, “What England's performances in the group stage have shown is that they are a force to be reckoned with when the ball is moving - either through reverse-swing or off the seam. I'm not sure which semi-final scenario they would rather face -- India at Cardiff, with the ball jagging around, or South Africa on a flat one at The Oval, where it may turn a bit or reverse if conditions are dry. Either way, don't write them off."
Meanwhile the recent reports of DNA quoted Cook saying, "We don't mind who we play (in the semis). We're glad we're in this (Champions Trophy last four). We look forward to the semi-final, whoever that may be, and look forward to playing well." Cook got the Man of the Match award for his crucial knock of 64 against New Zealand.
Hussain raised the questions on the length that English bowlers are relying on during these league games. He was quoted by Deccan Chronicle saying, "English bowlers are not looking keen to go to a fuller length, because that can make it easier for the batsmen to drive. But there are times when they overdo the short stuff, and when a batsman knows what is coming, then you know you're losing the battle.
Right-handed batsman was quite impressed with the hard-hitting of Ravi Bopara which has given them an edge till now in the later part of their innings but also raised his concern over the poor batting form of Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler. He added, “Alastair Cook, Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott keep laying platforms for the rest, but it's only really been Ravi Bopara who has cracked on when England have needed late runs, which he did against both Australia and Sri Lanka.”
He concluded, "It's time for the likes of Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler to put their hands up. They showed what they were capable of in the third one-dayer against New Zealand at Trent Bridge the other week. Now they need to get stuck in here.”