England captain Harry Brook believes his side’s best performance at the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 may still be ahead of them as they prepare for a blockbuster semifinal against India in Mumbai.
Speaking on the eve of the clash, Brook admitted that while England have found ways to win throughout the tournament, the team is yet to deliver a “perfect” performance, something he hopes could arrive at the most crucial moment.
“It’s a dream come true for most of us to play in a World Cup semifinal against the home nation on a very iconic ground,” Brook said. “We’re all really looking forward to it.”
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While Brook acknowledged India’s status as favourites on home soil, the England captain insisted his side will approach the contest with confidence and freedom. “We’re obviously going into the game very confident. We’re playing some good cricket,” he said.
“We haven’t quite played that perfect performance and I feel like it’s just around the corner. Hopefully it’s tomorrow night and we go out there, play with freedom and be brave,” the England batter said.
England’s path to the semifinals has been defined by resilience. On several occasions they have clawed their way back from difficult situations to secure victories, including dramatic finishes against Nepal and Pakistan, while also showing composure in a tense chase against New Zealand to remain unbeaten in the Super 8 stage.
We have won tight games, says Brooks
Brook believes those experiences have strengthened the team’s belief heading into the knockout stages. “We’ve won them tight games which in World Cups is very important,” he said. “It feels like we’ve never really been out of any game so far and that holds you in good stead in these world competitions.”
Much of England’s success has come through collective contributions rather than a single standout performance, something Brook believes reflects the balance within the squad.
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“All it takes is one of the top seven to get a decent score or one of our bowlers to have an amazing day,” he explained. “So far it’s mainly been team performances, but I feel like there’s a big individual performance to come soon.”
Brook also highlighted the impact of several players who have flourished since he assumed captaincy, including Will Jacks, Tom Banton and Liam Dawson, all of whom have played key roles during the tournament.
“Jacksy (Jacks) for example has had four Player of the Match awards this World Cup,” Brook said. “Dawson has played a massive role in plenty of games and Banton has won us a few games off his own bat. They’ve taken their roles on beautifully.”
England not weak against spin: Brooks
India’s bowling attack, including the ICC’s top-ranked T20I bowler Varun Chakaravarthy, will pose a significant challenge whose mystery spin has troubled several batters in the format, including Brook himself.
Brook, however, dismissed the notion that England struggle against spin, pointing to the team’s success in subcontinent conditions. “England always get a bad reputation about playing spin,” he said. “But we’ve got a lot of confidence playing on turning pitches. Chakaravarthy is one of the best bowlers in the world and I’ll try my best to score as many runs as I can against him.”
With India enjoying the advantage of home conditions and a passionate crowd expected in Mumbai, Brook acknowledged the scale of the challenge, but insisted T20 cricket often produces surprises.
T20 cricket is a fickle game
“India were the favourites from the start of the competition, as they should be,” he said. “But T20 cricket is such a fickle game — anything can happen.”
England head into the semifinal encounter after topping Group 2 in the Super 8 stage with three wins from three. Brook has led from the front, scoring 228 runs at an average of 32.57 and a strike rate of 161.70. He scored his maiden T20I ton against Pakistan in the Super 8 stage.
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Adil Rashid has been their leading wicket-taker with 11 scalps, while Liam Dawson and Jofra Archer have chipped in with 10 wickets each.
Will Jacks has shone in both departments, having accumulated 206 runs and scalped seven wickets. His performances have earned him the Player of the Match award in four out of the seven matches England have played so far.
Both India and England have won the T20 World Cup twice in the past. India won the title in 2007 and 2024, while England emerged triumphant in 2010 and 2022.
