Ben Stokes: England facing "do or die" moment against India

GEORGE DOBELL IN ADELAIDE: Stokes hopes England can draw on their experiences from the 2019 Cricket World Cup and "not shy away from the pressure situations" when they face India in the semi-finals

The T20 World Cup semi-final between England and India is a "do or die" moment, according to Ben Stokes.

The teams meet in Adelaide on Thursday knowing that the winner will go into the final in Melbourne as the favourites.

While Stokes accepts that most see England as the underdogs - "the India media certainly do," he says - he believes that England can draw on the spirit of their victory against the same opposition in the 2019 World Cup and produce a similar performance.

"We're in a position now that it's do or die," Stokes said. "What I don't think anyone will do going into this game is take a backward step.

"We talk a lot about the way in which we want to play and what we'll see here is us trying to deliver on what we talk about, not taking the cautious option.

^{Stokes wants England to draw on their experiences from the 2019 Cricket World Cup [Clive Mason/Getty Images]}

"The result [of that 2019 World Cup match] maybe you don't look at, but it's the way we went out and played in that game and the game against Australia, as well.

"I don't think it's too different. I guess it's just about reminding each other: this is what we're about and this is how we want to go into these games.

"We want the mindset of being aggressive, always putting the front foot forward and not shying away from the pressure situations.

"So rather than look at the result, let's just look at the mindset and mentality going into those games. They were do or die games.

"We didn't take a backward step in either of those games so I think we can take a lot of confidence, knowing that if we go in with the similar mindsets to we had in those big games, then hopefully we'll do all right."

There are moments when you wonder how much more cricket Stokes has in him. He is only 31 and, on his day, he remains an outstanding performer with bat, the ball and in the field.

But is it becoming apparent that his commitment comes at at price. He currently describes his body as "better than not bad" but he has sat out various training sessions and very often grimaces in pain after a moment of physical exertion.

^{Stokes was in the middle as England edged past Sri Lanka to book their spot in the last four [Cameron Spencer/Getty Images]}

For that reason - and the fact that he has retired from 50-over cricket - it is possible this is the last time we will see him in the final stages of a major global tournament. So it is hardly surprising that he is determined to enjoy every moment of this tournament.

"Every time I walk onto the field, it's an enjoyable thing to do," Stokes said. "You know, being here for Adelaide against India, more than likely there is going to be a full house in the semi-final.

"You want to walk out there and enjoy it. I'm just really looking forward to Thursday and hopefully you get the win and then we're at Melbourne.

"But I don't want to do too much talking now. Because Thursday is obviously where all the focus is that for the team. We know what we need to do.

"I'm really excited. It's been an interesting couple of weeks with the way we've played and the weather, but Thursday's going to be a big day hopefully."

Related Topics

• Mark Wood fitness concern gives England extra headache
• England need silverware to become "great white-ball side" insists Moeen Ali