Jos Buttler-led England outclassed India in T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final and went on to win the title. In an exclusive interview with India Today, Moeen Ali, who was an important cog in the wheel revealed how they approached the semi-final against Rohit Sharma’s side. “We know that India is a good side but we had our preparation for that match. We wanted to give our best on that day and we manage to do so,” Moeen said.
“We prepared the same for every team we knew that India is tough side but honestly we went in the game with same mindset for each team be it Pakistan in finals or India in semifinals. We knew that these are the two games which are going to be tough but actually we played in front of India very smartly. We contain them and actually played our best cricket against India. We are bit smarter having lot more variety in the team and lot more open-mindedness.”
No specific plan for India's top batters
Talking about the India’s top three batters – Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli – he said they are world class players but that were able to restrict them.
“They are really good players, they can derail any bowling lineup on a given day but I think each individual had prepared really well from our side. The top three are brilliant players but we also know they can't take the time (to play themselves in) and we were able to restrict them that day we were bit better and played smart cricket,” the veteran English all-rounder revealed.
Giving all credit to former captain Eoin Morgan for the turnaround of English team and template of white-ball cricket the 35-year-old said, “Morgan is the catalyst. He actually started everything. He has to take most of the credit in terms of mindset change of the team, sticking with the players, teaching us how to captain vice-captain a side which I think is very important. The approach is to be brave, fearless and most importantly to stick with your players as long as you can. Those players can win you matches, stick with them and give time. It is important that captain trusts a player and vice versa.”
Ali who is currently leading Morrisville Samp Army in Abu Dhabi T10 league is hopeful of his team wining the title. Talking about the T10 format and chances of his side winning, he said, “T10 template is very fast is very quick it does improve your game your pushing boundaries that will help you in T20 template is very fast and pacey.”
“Our team is balanced in this format. We have to play well to win this competition like any other team. Every day is a challenge in this format and we have a good chance because we have a good team.”
