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England rest hopes on spin duo Rashid, Ali

March 15, 2016 17:30 IST

'As long as we execute our goals and plans like we normally do, we will be in a stable position going into any tournament, regardless of what it is'

England players during a practice session at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday

IMAGE: England players during a practice session at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday. Photograph: Santosh Hirlekar/PTI

Skipper Eoin Morgan says England are in a good place "mentally" going into the World Twenty20 and looking to grab the momentum when they clash with the West Indies, in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Morgan feels it is difficult to get back the momentum if you lose early in T20 games. They have warmed up nicely for the challenge by winning both their warm-up games – against New Zealand and Mumbai.

"We have put in a couple of good performance, which has given us lot of confidence. I think the way we started this trip, we have built a lot of confidence and we are really in a good place mentally," Morgan said ahead of the clash.

"As long as we execute our goals and plans like we normally do, we will be in a stable position going into any tournament, regardless of what it is. It is about playing your best game, pacing yourself along the way and putting in the performance when it really matters. First game is a tough game we do agree with that," he told reporters.

West Indies cricketers during a practice session in Kolkata on Saturday

IMAGE: West Indies cricketers during a practice session in Kolkata on Saturday. Photograph: Ashok Bhaumik/PTI

The English captain rated the Caribbeans high but said they would like to grab the momentum.

"It is important to gain momentum as early as possible in the tournament that is a very important factor, because T20 is very funny with regards to confidence and momentum, it is very easy when you have it, but when you try to gain it back it can be a different challenge," he said.

"There are a number of dangerous players in the West Indies side. They have been a strong side in the past. I think for us as a young and talented side is to focus on what we do best and execute that as part of anything. There are plans in place, ultimately we have to execute them," he said when quizzed about the West Indies batting.

About spin playing an important part in the World T20, he said, "I think here (in Mumbai) it is going to be a little bit different. It will not turn as much as it will probably do in Delhi. It is normally a very good batting surface here and again it is a challenge for the bowlers to emphasize their plans and take wickets and holding the momentum throughout the innings. So it is another challenge we have already come up in the past and will continue to do so in T20 cricket."

England's Adil Rashid bowls during a nets session

IMAGE: England's Adil Rashid bowls during a nets session. Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Morgan said Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali will be key players for them.

"Adil has come a long way in the last couple of years. In the nets we find him very hard to pick him, let alone play him, I think given the conditions here I think himself and Moeen (Ali) can play a big part."

England have been playing aggressive brand of cricket especially after their poor run in the last World Cup and Morgan attributes this to their coaches.

"We are always looking to improve the game, TB (England coach Trevor Bayliss) has had a big influence along with Paul Farbrace (assistant coach) and two of them are influential coaches. The two have huge saying in the direction we go and the aggressive way we are playing".

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