T20 World Cup semi-finals: England want to ‘throw first punch’ against India

Much of the discussion before the semi-final has been around the lack of a reserve day and there is rain forecast for Thursday.

The first semi-final between South Africa and Afghanistan has a rain reserve day but England’s meeting with India does not.

Instead, there are 250 minutes available throughout the afternoon on Thursday – the same total available across the two days in Trinidad – to fit in a match.

If no result is possible, India will progress, as they won their Super 8s group.

Mott said in an “ideal world”, there would be a reserve day and it is something the International Cricket Council “need to look at long term”.

There has also been criticism, external of the fact India’s semi-final venue, in the event of their qualification, was predetermined, whereas other sides had to wait for their route to be confirmed, but Mott played down the significance of the latter issue.

“We were quite aware there was every chance that we’d be here in Guyana,” he said.

“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.”

A surface suiting spinners is expected at Providence Stadium, which could help India, whose squad includes four spinners and batters who grew up on low surfaces.

England have uncapped left-arm spinner Tom Hartley in their squad, who could come into contention for a debut.

But Australian Mott, who was speaking before England’s training and prior to seeing the pitch, said he does not expect “drastic changes”.

The match is a repeat of the semi-final of the last T20 World Cup in Australia, where a superb England thrashed India by 10 wickets in Adelaide en route to winning the title.

Mott said India, who timidly posted 168-6 that night before England chased the target in 16 overs, are a more aggressive side this year.

“We’re not looking back at all with this group,” he added. “One of its big mantras is staying present.

“They are a different team, too, than when we took them on.”