T20 World Cup: Time for England to walk the talk against Scotland

Kolkata: There’ll be no love lost at the Eden Gardens on Valentine’s Day (Saturday) when England take on Scotland in a Group C T20 World Cup match. It could well turn out to be cricket’s version of the Calcutta Cup, the famed rugby contest between the two sides, a rivalry which has stood the test of time for over a century.

Though England are overwhelming favourites, there is sure to be some on-field banters.



Incidentally, Scotland and England will face each other in a rugby match in Edinburg on the same day and as Scottish cricket captain Richie Berrington had quipped after their win over Italy, they wouldn’t mind two victories over England on the same day.

On the field, however, England will be looking at much more than exchanging banters. Having scraped past Nepal and having lost to the West Indies, England will be looking to reboot on Saturday. Skipper Harry Brook insists they are not as bad as the tournament has made them look so far. He and his teammates have to start walking the talk now.

Placed in a relatively easy group, England are expected to advance to the Super Eights, along with West Indies. However, a slip against Scotland could spell the difference between survival and exit for the former champions.

To begin with, Jos Buttler has to fire. The veteran is a fulcrum around which innings are built. He has to inspire that confidence again. Also, Jofra Archer has to play his pace-spearhead role with more conviction.


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