England captain Harry Brook believes his side’s ability to grind out tight victories could be crucial when they face hosts India in a high-pressure T20 World Cup semifinal on Thursday.

England endured a mixed group-stage campaign, edging past Associate nations Nepal, Scotland and Italy in closely fought contests, while suffering a heavy defeat to two-time champions West Indies. However, they found momentum in the Super Eights, going unbeaten with wins over Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand. In their final Super Eight fixture, England chased down a tricky target against New Zealand, needing 43 runs from the last 18 deliveries to seal their semifinal berth.

“We are managing to scrape through close games and that is the sign of a good side,” Brook told Sky Sports Cricket.

“I have learned that you are never out of a game. I know I have players with a lot of character — a strong desire to win — but also the calmness to handle pressure.”

Brook added that his approach, particularly as a batter, is to keep opposition players uncomfortable at all times.

Despite their progression, England’s top order has struggled for consistency. Jos Buttler has endured a lean run, averaging under nine after five successive single-digit scores, while Phil Salt has largely failed to fire apart from a fluent 62 against Sri Lanka in the Super Eights.

Still, Brook expects his side to raise their game against India.

“We are all really excited. I have already heard a few lads say they wanted to play India anyway. It is going to be a massive occasion with a lot of pressure on both sides,” he said.

“India will obviously have huge support. I am not sure there will be many people backing us. It is going to be loud, but hopefully we can play our best cricket.”

Brook dismissed suggestions of weakness in the batting unit, insisting it is only a matter of time before the runs flow.

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“I am excited for the lads at the top. I do not think there is any weakness in the top order at all. They have just struggled a bit and not got the runs they usually do.”

Throwing his full support behind Buttler, Brook said the experienced white-ball great should be “left alone”.

“He is one of the best players ever to play the game, and I can see him coming good,” Brook said. “It has been brilliant that others have stepped up. We have so much power in the top seven that if one player clicks, the opposition can quickly be under pressure.”

All-rounder Will Jacks has been England’s standout performer, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. Brook praised the Surrey player’s adaptability and resilience.

“Jacks has been outstanding. To do that in his first proper World Cup, playing every game, is phenomenal,” he said.

Recalling a quiet outing during the pre-World Cup tour of Sri Lanka, Brook revealed they had reminded Jacks of the importance of his role.

“We told him that it is a position that brings great reward when you win games, but also one that can make it hard to break into the side,” Brook said. “He has embraced it and done exceptionally well. The character he has shown has been superb.”