Ready to take on India or SA, says Cook

England captain Alastair Cook said he didn’t really care which among India and South Africa await his team in the last-four stage of the tournament. PTI

Having endured a “stressful” journey to book a Champions Trophy’s semifinal berth, England captain Alastair Cook said he didn’t really care which among India and South Africa await his team in the last-four stage of the tournament.

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England beat New Zealand won by 10 runs in their rain-curtailed and tense final group match. “We don’t mind who we play. We are just glad we are in there. We look forward to the semi-final against whoever that might be,” said Cook, who was the Man of the Match for his 64.

Bowling’s the key

Reflecting on the performance, Cook lauded his bowlers.

"It was a very fine bowling performance. We thought we were above the rate but Anderson and Williamson took it on, luckily we got over the line.”
"We’re two games away now. Graeme’s got a calf injury but we’re very lucky to have James Tredwell to step in,” he added.

Brief Scores

England 169 in 23.3 overs (A Cook 64, J Root 38, K Mills 4/30)
New Zealand 159/8 in 24 overs (K Williamson 67, CJ Anderson 30, Anderson 3/32)