"Time to more or less throw the first punch" - Matthew Mott ahead of IND vs ENG T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final

England head coach Matthew Mott believes it's time to throw the first punch at Team India ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final on Thursday in Guyana. The former Aussie women's team's coach also reckons England are yet to play their best game in this tournament.

England have had a rocky road to the semi-final of the multi-nation event. The defending champions were on the brink of group-stage exit. However, wins against Namibia and Oman, followed by a little help from Australia helped them qualify to the Super 8. Jos Buttler's men sealed a semi-final spot after beating the USA by 10 wickets.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the massive game, Mott said that it's time England up their game significantly and never let their foot off the throat. As quoted by BBC Sport, he said:

"We haven't quite clicked as a whole unit yet. Bits and pieces have worked at different times but our 'A-game' is certainly enough to match with India.

"We've had to play some ugly cricket at times. But from here on in it's time to be the frontrunners. It's time to more or less throw the first punch at India and then try to get our nose in front and never give it back."

The two sides also met in the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final at the Adelaide Oval. The Englishmen consigned their opposition to a 10-wicket loss and eventually defeated Pakistan to be crowned champions.

"We've had to fight our way through this tournament" - Matthew Mott

With Team India's potential semi-final set for Guyana well in advance, Mott said he has no complaints about that. The 50-year-old added:

"We were quite aware there was every chance that we'd be here in Guyana. We've had to fight our way through this tournament and it's something that's galvanised us as a group and will hold us in really good stead for cut-throat matches.”

Rohit Sharma and Co. are one of the two sides alongside South Africa to still stay unbeaten in this year's tournament.