We'll have to be at our best to beat England, says Ireland all-rounder Simi Singh

CHANDIGARH: Since making his international debut against New Zealand in 2017, Simi Singh has become an integral part of the Ireland national team. The 33-year-old is also included in a 14-man squad for the opening match of the three-ODI series against England starting at the Ageas Bowl on Thursday, which will also kick off the men’s World Cup Super League.
Mohali-born Simi is quite optimistic about his team's chances against the world champions."There is no doubt we are going in as underdogs, but we can stun England. We definitely have to bring our A game game to beat them," Simi told TOI from Southampton.
"England is also missing their key players such as Joe Roots, Ben Stokes, Jos Butler, Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer, because of Test duty. We have to put big totals on the board and must take early wickets because they have got a really strong top order. We will have to be on the front foot always," he added.
Singh admitted that Covid-19 has taken a toll on cricket because of the new norms.
"There are a few changes apart from the use of saliva and it starts right from the changing room. Social distancing and wearing mask is a must inside the dressing room. On the field, you can't give your cap to the umpire. We came to England two weeks ago and we had undergone four corona tests. But we are lucky that cricket has resumed, we will be playing the first ODI after the pandemic."
However, the all-rounder accepted that playing in empty stadium that too in England will be bit weird.
Simi had the air of a man who has endured one too many swings of misfortune in his cricketing journey. He had represented Punjab successfully at the U-14 and U-17 level. For over seven years, Simi would toil, amass runs and take wickets for Punjab's junior teams only to be overlooked by the selectors when time came to pick the state's U-19 squad. Simi packed his bags for Ireland in 2005 to pursue cricket and academics.
"The move was an act of desperation. I wanted to play cricket and I was ready to take whatever opportunity that comes into my way. Now, if I look back, I think I had made a good decision. For me, it is a huge honour to represent Ireland. It was a dream come true moment for me when I got the national team cap," said Simi, who had played 18 ODIs and 24 T20Is for Ireland.
Simi had started his career as a batting all-rounder but gradually it's his off-spin, which made him an invaluable part of Irish national team. On his role in the team, Simi said: "I have batted at all the positions from No 4 to 9. To be honest, I am not sure where I am going to bat in the next match. It's hard but now my primary job is to take wickets in the middle overs, so you can call me a bowling all-rounder."