England will take on India in the T20 World Cup semi-finals in Guyana today, in a bid to defend the title they won in Australia two years ago.
However, the draw has been stacked in India’s favour. Unlike England, who only found out where they would play this semi-final at the last minute, India and their fans have known for months. It was designed to benefit those watching TV in Asia rather than local or international audiences.
There is also no reserve day for the semi-final in Guyana, with the match taking place during the rainy season, but there was one for the other match in Trinidad. Should the match be rained off, India will go through having topped their group in the Super 8s, with at least 10 overs per side needed for a result.
England have had their ups and downs in the tournament, losing to Australia and barely scraping through the initial group stage, but they have improved since. They smashed the West Indies and set up a dominant win over the United States, although they were beaten by South Africa in a close match. India on the other hand have been infallible throughout the tournament and will undoubtedly be the favourites, especially with Australia knocked out by Afghanistan.
Follow all the live action from the match in Guyana with our blog below:
India vs England semi-final delayed due to rain
A quick reminder that should the game be rained off, and we are a long way from that yet, India would go through having topped their group while England came second.
Sonia Twigg27 June 2024 15:46
India vs England
The super sopper is out and there is no chance of play imminently, the toss is not expected to take place for at least another half an hour:
Sonia Twigg27 June 2024 15:38
India vs England
Sonia Twigg27 June 2024 15:25
Rain delays play
The rain has just started to come down again in Guyana and the covers that had been removed are going back onto the field.
England had been out knocking a football around, but they will now head back to the dressing room.
Sonia Twigg27 June 2024 15:20
India vs England
Here are some photos from the training sessions in the build up to the match, starting with England:
Sonia Twigg27 June 2024 15:12
India vs England
The coverage has started and Ian Ward is explaining that there has been a lot of rain, which is standing on the covers and the ground staff are not making any effort to try and remove them as of yet.
Stay tuned for all the updates.
Sonia Twigg27 June 2024 15:03
India vs England
The toss should be due to take place at 3pm BST, but we are expecting at least some delay because of the weather.
The match is taking place in the middle of the rainy season, with more rain forecast at the end of June than the beginning, far from ideal for a T20 World Cup semi-final.
Sonia Twigg27 June 2024 14:55
The weather in Guyana
The weather in Guyana has been a key talking point ahead of the match. There are an extra 250 minutes allocated for the semi-final but no reserve day.
Ian Ward is one of the commentators, and he posted this an hour or so ago:
Sonia Twigg27 June 2024 14:42
England fans and journalists struggle to reach Guyana
Tour groups were unable to sell packages with any confidence given the short turnaround time and several opted out entirely, instead focusing on the earlier rounds and late offers for the final in Barbados.
With stark travel advice for Guyana warning of high levels of violent crime and with hotel capacity severely stretched, it would be a surprise to see more than a sprinkling of England fans in the stands.
The same cannot be said for their opponents, as a large Indian diaspora prepares to turn out in force. India have also been aided by a longstanding guarantee that they would play in Guyana if they reached the final four, a certainty no other side at the tournament was offered.
It is a clear and regrettable discrepancy in a World Cup that strives for competitive balance but one that is understood to exist to satisfy the lucrative Indian television market.
There is also set to be a notable lack of English-based reporters on site. While former England captains Nasser Hussain, Michael Atherton and Morgan all flew from Barbados with the team as part of their duties with the International Cricket Council’s official commentary team, a lack of commercial flights and accommodation has kept most other journalists grounded.
Sonia Twigg27 June 2024 14:32
England look to channel spirit of 2022 in T20 World Cup semi-final against India
“Rash is experienced and he just adapts to conditions really well,” said Moeen.
“He knows his game now and he’s just proper at the moment, confident. He’s been unbelievable. He’s in some of the form of his life at the moment and just enjoying it. That’s great to see and it’s what we need. You can expect some sort of spin and a toughish wicket.”
Moeen’s off-breaks are likely to be another key part of the England game plan, Liam Livingstone offers further variation and there could be an outside chance for Will Jacks to return as a spin-bowling all-rounder and six-hitting option.
The England team traditionally attract plenty of followers on their travels, with committed touring supporters and a reliably large media presence, but that is set to change for their visit to the outer reaches of South America.
Sonia Twigg27 June 2024 14:13