India clash set to act as prelude to World Cup knockout tension
ENGLAND’S pivotal tri-series clash against India on Friday provides the ideal preparation for the World Cup knockout phase, according to assistant coach Paul Farbrace.
Victory over India at the Gabba last Tuesday was only England’s sixth in 19 one-day internationals and they will have to repeat the feat to progress to Sunday’s final where hosts Australia lie in wait.
“To have a must-win game on Friday is just what the World Cup is going to be about,” said Farbrace. “In a sense it’s everything you want from this series. It’s a great opportunity for us to play two of the best teams in the world in the space of a few days.
“Effectively it’s a semi-final and a final. That’s what you want as often as possible at this level and that’s what we’re hoping to be involved in in the latter part of the World Cup.”
If England reach the final, they will face Australia for the final time before meeting on the opening day of the World Cup on 14 February.