Morgan salutes ‘outstanding’ England as hosts reach semis

Sport Writer

After losing to Australia at Lord’s, England were in danger of failing to finish in the top four of the 10-team group phase but composed performances against India and New Zealand have restored belief they can win the tournament for the first time.

Morgan believes rediscovering the aggressive, confident style that marked their rise up the one-day international rankings has sparked their revival in the nick of time.

“The manner in which we have played in the last two games is the identity we have been playing with for the last four years,” Morgan said.

“Playing with freedom and intent with the bat and had bowlers looking to take wickets throughout the 50 overs with the ball. Hopefully we can produce that aggressive, positive identity in the semifinals.”

New Zealand are still likely to qualify for the semifinals barring a huge victory for Pakistan against Bangladesh on Friday.

Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson conceded his side were out-classed by England and need to improve.

“Full credit to the way England played today. We definitely need to be better moving forward,” Williamson said. “England did get the best of the conditions but they were the better team. They outplayed us in all facets.

“Going ahead, touch wood, hopefully it all works out and we are in the semifinal but in some ways, it starts again. We haven’t played our best cricket yet.”