Test captain Alastair Cook praises England's spirit under pressure
Friday 1 April 2016 16:06, UK
Alastair Cook says England's ability to perform under different types of pressure makes them strong contenders to clinch World T20 glory on Sunday.
And the Test captain is confident the belief shown by the side in reaching the final of the tournament will transfer to the five-day team when they play Sri Lanka and Pakistan this summer.
England can become the first team to win two World Twenty20 titles this weekend if they beat the West Indies in Kolkata on Sunday.
And Cook feels the nature of their performances to date will give Eoin Morgan's men plenty of encouragement that they can achieve that feat.
"When they've been up against it, whether that was chasing 230 against South Africa or at seven down against Afghanistan, someone has dug them out of it and produced a performance of real character," said Cook at the launch of this year's NatWest CricketForce initative.
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"They were different pressures, where their hopes in the tournament were hanging by a thread and it's been pleasing to see how the guys have performed under that pressure and knowing there isn't a second chance.
"That's encouraging for the Twenty20 side and will give them confidence for Sunday but it's also good for the Test side, knowing they can turn games around when their backs are against the wall."
Cook feels those qualities will serve England well on Sunday, but he has advised the players to forget it is a tournament final and to continue playing with the freedom that has been their hallmark throughout the campaign.
"Absolutely they can do it," he said. "You need a bit of luck in this tournament and the guys have to keep their attitude and pretend it's not the final, not think about winning and just play as they have played.
"They have to play with smiles on their faces and if they can do that they've got a great chance."
Click here for more information about the 2016 NatWest CricketForce iniative.
