Geoff Boycott: England have an explosive batting line-up

Geoffrey Boycott

Despite losing to Ireland in the ongoing T20 World Cup, England have just about managed to sneak into the semi-finals, thanks to their superior net run-rate over Australia.

Ahead of their knock-out clash against India here, former England captain and veteran commentator Geoffrey Boycott is upbeat about their chances despite them not playing to full potential.

England skipper Jos Buttler after reaching his half-century against New Zealand recently. Pic/AFP

"England have got an explosive batting line-up. They will have to score heavily to protect their bowling, their weaker suit. But they need to be smart as conditions have dictated terms in this tournament," Boycott told mid-day. Boycott showed full confidence in skipper Jos Buttler and his deputy Moeen Ali, who has done stand-in duties whenever Buttler has been unavailable.

"Jos has led the team very well after taking over from Eoin [Morgan]. He shares a good rapport with Moeen. They've made great additions to the side. There is no doubt that we are missing Jonny [Bairstow], who is too good a batsman in T20s, but his replacements are quite promising as well [Harry Brook and Phil Salt]," said Boycott, 82.

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Boycott highlighted how there have been quite a few close games in the tournament, largely due to the conditions. "Because of the pitches, there has been a good contest between bat and ball. The grounds are big and there is enough bounce so the bowlers have got no reason to complain. For us, Mark Wood has bowled with full intensity after coming back from injury. Even Sam Curran has stepped up as a death bowler,'' added Boycott.

When asked if the weather seems to be more English this time, Boycott said, "We play cricket in cold weather so it won't be a problem for us. I just hope there is no more rain in the upcoming matches so we get to see the full 40 overs," Boycott signed off.