- 2010 winner noted that Matthew Mott’s side were lucky for a point off Scotland
- Wet weather saw England’s opener against the associate nation washed out
- Swann sees Saturday’s opponents as potential finalists, along with West Indies
Former world champion Graeme Swann insists England’s Saturday showdown with Ashes rivals Australia has taken on must-win status following the rain-hit start to their Twenty20 title defence.
Taking a point off Scotland, Swann smiled, was akin to dodging a bullet given England’s woeful record against associate nations in tournaments.
Indeed, Swann was a member of the Andy Flower-coached team careering towards defeat to Ireland when wet weather caused an abandonment at the same stage of the victorious 2010 World Cup, also on Caribbean soil.
On a serious note, however, Swann said: ‘The big thing the washout does is make this game against Australia an absolute must-win.
‘That means England can’t go in thinking: ‘Oh, you know, we want to win, but it’s not too bad if we lose.’ Because that kind of attitude is a cancer within a team, and you never win anything. This almost forces them to go out all guns blazing against Australia, and I think it’s a very good thing.
Graeme Swann was at Lord’s Cricket Ground to promote the England vs Australia match in the ICC T20 World Cup, available to watch on Sky Sports with a NOW Sports Day or Month Membership
Swann has backed the safe hands of Jos Buttler (left) and the explosive talent of Will Jacks
‘If you look back at the evolution of England limited-overs cricket under Eoin Morgan, it was all about being very aggressive.
‘In last year’s 50-over World Cup, we were slipping back into being slightly cautious and it just wasn’t the same, sort of playing yourself in for a few balls.
‘On paper, this England team are the strongest in the World Cup, but only if they take that brave option, and really look to dominate the opposition.
‘They have ridiculous talent. Will Jacks was arguably the most exciting new player of the IPL this year and that 50 runs he scored in six minutes to get to his hundred in Ahmedabad was ridiculous hitting.
‘That was against Rashid Khan as well – the best bowler in the world was being brutally assaulted by England’s young gun. Jos Buttler is Jos Buttler, and if you look at the top six, every base is covered.’
The returning Jofra Archer is another highlight for the side as they begin their title defence
Swann added: ‘The bowling felt slightly light in recent times but put Jofra Archer in there and it looks absolutely amazing. Name me any batsman in the world who’s going to happily stand there and try to whack him and Mark Wood everywhere without the threat of some sort of bodily harm? Jofra’s bowling absolute rockets and that’s a very good thing.’
Pondering the main threats to England’s crown, Swann tipped India and West Indies, and added: ‘Through gritted teeth, our friends Australia. Like Germany in football, you don’t want them to do well, but they always get to the final.’
Stream all the live action from England vs Australia in the ICC T20 World Cup on Sky Sports with a NOW Sports Day or Month Membership. On demand highlights also available.
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