England managed to make it to the Super Eight stage after a somewhat tense period – winning the shortened Group B game against Namibia after the start of the match was delayed due to rain. They got a lease of life to enter the Super Eights as Australia defeated Scotland in a last-over thriller.
They now face West Indies in their first Super Eight game, a team that has been sailing smoothly into the competition after early setbacks. England lost 3-2 to West Indies in the T20 series in these conditions last year.
“We haven't played in front of opposition crowds for a long time.I think maybe West Indies are trying to redeem themselves for our fans who were so incredible in November. They'll try and rally around them and create an atmosphere tomorrow night, it's going to be incredible," Topley told reporters.
The England-West Indies Super Eight match will be played on the same pitch where the Rovman Powell-led side scored 218/5 against Afghanistan earlier this week, which is also the highest score in the T20 World Cup.
It also helps that West Indies are playing in a stadium named after current white-ball coach Darren Sammy and has a stand named after batsman Johnson Charles, who is in the West Indies setup for the World Cup.
“It's good that there are obviously new circumstances to try and adapt to.But I think it's going to be a very good cricket wicket regardless. I think the wickets have been kind to the bowlers so far, so it might be time to make some changes in the treatment. In a problem-solving business, things are a little more complex for us as a ballplayer, but the mission statement is pretty much the same."
He also believes that England's frequent tours of the West Indies over the last few years have also been in their advantage. “It's an advantage that we've toured here a lot in recent years, so it's nothing new for us.Everyone knows what to expect once we get here, he knows what you can do to keep your head down and stay fresh for games, representing England at the World Cup, wherever it is. Whatever it is, is always the highlight of your career."
They now face West Indies in their first Super Eight game, a team that has been sailing smoothly into the competition after early setbacks. England lost 3-2 to West Indies in the T20 series in these conditions last year.
“We haven't played in front of opposition crowds for a long time.I think maybe West Indies are trying to redeem themselves for our fans who were so incredible in November. They'll try and rally around them and create an atmosphere tomorrow night, it's going to be incredible," Topley told reporters.
The England-West Indies Super Eight match will be played on the same pitch where the Rovman Powell-led side scored 218/5 against Afghanistan earlier this week, which is also the highest score in the T20 World Cup.
It also helps that West Indies are playing in a stadium named after current white-ball coach Darren Sammy and has a stand named after batsman Johnson Charles, who is in the West Indies setup for the World Cup.
“It's good that there are obviously new circumstances to try and adapt to.But I think it's going to be a very good cricket wicket regardless. I think the wickets have been kind to the bowlers so far, so it might be time to make some changes in the treatment. In a problem-solving business, things are a little more complex for us as a ballplayer, but the mission statement is pretty much the same."
He also believes that England's frequent tours of the West Indies over the last few years have also been in their advantage. “It's an advantage that we've toured here a lot in recent years, so it's nothing new for us.Everyone knows what to expect once we get here, he knows what you can do to keep your head down and stay fresh for games, representing England at the World Cup, wherever it is. Whatever it is, is always the highlight of your career."