New Zealand captain Kane Williamson praised England’s depth as a Twenty20 side on Tuesday, saying they would be a tough opponent in the World Cup semi-final despite key player injuries.
Both teams have won four games out of five in the Super 12 stage and will compete for a final spot in a game that will bring back memories of England’s dramatic 50-over World Cup victory in 2019.
Since then, the Kiwis have won the inaugural world Test championship and have consistently performed well across all formats.
Also Read; England opener Roy out of T20 World Cup with injury
England, led by Eoin Morgan, has been the team to beat in the competition, but injuries to fast bowlers Tymal Mills and Jason Roy could destabilize their combination.
“It’s a real shame they were injured in this competition.” “But I think one of the strengths of the England team is the depth that they’ve been able to produce over time,” Williamson told reporters.
“Having spent some time at the Birmingham Phoenix and being involved in that 100 ball competition, you can tell that there’s a lot of talent throughout.”
“They’re still a very strong team that has been playing some really good cricket.”
“Look, they’ve got match-winners all over their team,” Williamson said. And that, I suppose, has been a significant movement on their white-ball side. “It’s packed with power and has a deep bat.”
Trent Boult and Tim Southee, New Zealand’s pace duo, have rattled the opposition with their early strikes in the group stages.
Boult and Southee have taken 18 wickets between them and have led a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack that has complemented their batting.
“They’ve been fantastic. “They’ve been with the team in all formats for a long time and are really experienced operators for us,” Williamson said of the pace duo.
“They’ve done a fantastic job for us, really leading our attack that has been performing well and adjusting well to the different surfaces that we’ve been on.” And a real ally on our side.”
Amazing game
Remind Williamson of the fateful World Cup final in July 2019, when New Zealand took it to the super over but lost on a boundary count.
The captain believes the team has progressed and is looking forward to the next challenge.
“It was an incredible game to be a part of.” “And certainly all the guys who, when it comes up in conversation, look back fondly on that experience,” he said.
“However, the aftermath was difficult to understand at the time and may not have made a lot of sense.” But that is exactly what it is. And then you sign up.
“You follow the rules, move on, and look forward to the next challenge.” And now we’re at a T20 World Cup, and the cricket just keeps on going.”
Williamson, who scored 126 runs with a high of 40 not out in the team’s previous victory over Afghanistan, said his troubled elbow is still not fully recovered.
“That has been a bit of a challenge for me.” And the balance between loading the elbow and other things like that to stay as fresh as possible for the game,” he explained.
“So it’s a bit of a delicate balance for me to grasp.” I’m looking forward to the day when it’s gone and I don’t have to worry about it.”
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