'We've got the mindset and experience' - Adil Rashid backs England to defend T20 World Cup crown
"We're confident. We've got the team, we've got the mindset, we've got the players, we've got the experience. If we go out there having the same belief, I think we'll go all the way," Rashid said.
As the cricket world eagerly anticipates the upcoming T20 World Cup, England leg-spinner Adil Rashid remains optimistic of his team's chance to lift the trophy. Rashid emphasized the team's readiness to tackle the challenges of the T20 format.
Reflecting on their disappointing outing in the 50-over World Cup, where England finished in seventh place with three wins and six losses, Rashid underscored the importance of approaching the T20 World Cup with a fresh mindset.
"The 50 overs was a completely different format," Rashid said while speaking at the ECB's launch of a national tape-ball competition.
Despite their struggles, Rashid reiterated England's status as the reigning T20 World Champions, highlighting their confidence, experience, and formidable lineup.
"We're confident. We've got the team, we've got the mindset, we've got the players, we've got the experience. If we go out there having the same belief, I think we'll - hopefully - go all the way," Rashid affirmed, expressing belief in England's ability to excel in the upcoming competition.
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Drawing a clear distinction between the two formats, Rashid emphasized that the team's focus on the T20 format and their determination not to dwell on past disappointments.
"We don't look at it as 'we had a bad World Cup' because that's a completely different format. It's 50-over, that's not T20. We try not to mix both together,” added Rashid.
We are not thinking of what's gone on in the past: Adil Rashid
Recalling England's triumphant campaign in the 2022 T20 World Cup, where they clinched the title with just one loss in the tournament, Rashid emphasized the team's championship mentality.
"You have the mindset of champions. We are not thinking of what's gone on in the past; not thinking about a poor World Cup or people not [being] in form because things change very quickly when you go into a tournament or the first game comes," Rashid asserted, emphasising the team's focus on the challenges ahead.
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