Harry Brook hailed Jasprit Bumrah as “arguably the best of all time at the minute” after the Indian pacer delivered a decisive over late in the semifinal of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, helping India national cricket team secure a narrow seven-run victory over England national cricket team on Thursday.

Defending champions India posted a formidable 253/7, powered by a blistering 42-ball 89 from Sanju Samson, before restricting England to 246/7 despite a spirited chase.

England remained in the hunt deep into the innings, largely due to a superb century from Jacob Bethell, who smashed 105 runs.

However, Bumrah turned the tide in the 18th over, conceding just six runs with a series of pinpoint yorkers. At that stage, England needed 45 runs from 18 balls, but the tight over left them with the daunting task of scoring 39 runs from the final two overs.

“He’s a very good bowler, arguably the best of all time at the minute,” Brook said of Bumrah after the match.

“He’s been a top bowler for a long time. The Indians also fielded extremely well — that catch from Axar Patel to dismiss me was arguably one of the best catches I’ve seen. Hats off to them.”

Brook admitted India’s deep batting lineup made life difficult for England’s bowlers.

“They’ve just got batsmen coming out of everywhere,” he said. “They’re clean ball-strikers. If you miss, it goes for four or six.”

England’s task became even tougher after Brook dropped Samson on 15 early in the innings — a moment he acknowledged proved costly as the Indian opener went on to produce the match-winning knock.

Despite the defeat, Brook said England could take pride in their performance throughout the tournament.

“Disappointed, but extremely proud,” he said. “I couldn’t ask for much more from the boys. We had an amazing campaign and we were in the game right until the last over.”

Brook reserved special praise for the 22-year-old Bethell, whose century nearly pulled off an improbable chase.

“He’s a phenomenal player,” Brook said. “To play like that in a high-pressure game against India on their home turf was outstanding.

“He’s going to have a great career with England and I’m looking forward to playing alongside him for many years.”

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England also found success against India’s spinners, scoring 99 runs from seven overs of spin, including a costly spell from Varun Chakravarthy, who conceded 64 runs in his four overs.

Brook said England’s approach against spin was the result of careful planning.

“It’s funny because usually we get criticised for how we play spin, so it’s nice to get a compliment for once,” he said.

“We tried to read what the bowlers were doing and adapt accordingly. That’s just about cricket smarts and understanding the match-ups.”

Brook also strongly backed England head coach Brendon McCullum amid criticism following their disappointing The Ashes campaign.

“I back him 125 per cent,” Brook said. “He’s the best coach I’ve ever had.

“He has an aura in the dressing room. Everyone looks up to him and what he achieved as a player was incredible. What he’s done since taking over has changed English cricket for the better.”