England looking forward to Perth KO clash

Cricket365
February 5, 2015

England assistant coach Paul Farbrace believes Friday's must win tri-series clash, against India, in Perth is exactly the sort of preparation the team needs if they want to make any impact at the upcoming World Cup, which starts in mid-February in Australia and New Zealand.

The England team go into the clash against India in good sprits, according to Farbrace, after having beaten them already in the tournament, by nine wickets on 20 January in Brisbane.

Having lost the previous ODI against Australia in Hobart, Farbrace says the players want to take on the challenge of having to win back to back knock-out matches.

Farbrace said: "We came here saying that we want to be as successful in this tournament as we possibly can, and that is the same as any tournament you play in, but to have a must-win game on Friday is exactly what World Cup cricket is going to be about.

"It is a great opportunity for us. We have talked a lot about winning back-to-back games. Everyone is looking forward to Friday, it is a must-win game and that is what you are going to have at this level as often as possible.

"Effectively it's a semi-final and a final. That is what we are hoping we will be involved in knockout games in the latter part of the World Cup."

After having beaten England in Hobart, then having a game against India washed out, hosts Australia qualified directly to the final, where they await the winner of the England- India clash, which will be played on Sunday, also in Perth.

Farbrace continued: "We were disappointed not to win in Hobart but we have had a few days to clear our heads, talk positively of what we did well and look forward to Friday's game.

"We have made big improvements, we felt that we made big improvements from the Sydney game to the Hobart game.

"We want to play against Australia again on Sunday here in Perth because it is another part of the learning for a team that every game we play is a massive advantage for us."