Westley in bullish mood

23 February 2008 | By Tim Sanderson

Tom Westley © Getty Images

Essex all-rounder Tom Westley is confident that England Under-19s can get the better of India in the quarter-final of the World Cup in Malaysia.

England came second in their group after losing to Bangladesh on Friday, having been in strong position to claim victory.

Westley made 21 in that match and he is hoping that his team can push past one of the best teams in the tournament and secure their place in the semi-finals.

Westley told ecb.co.uk: “We knew that if we are going to win this competition we would have to play them at some point so hopefully we can get it out the way and beat them tomorrow.

“We were massively disappointed after having Bangladesh 45 for seven. To be fair, the wicket did start to flatten out and became a descent cricket wicket, but it was still disappointing after being 130 for four with myself and Danny Redfern at the wicket - but then two quick wickets fell.

“So it was disheartening that we are playing India in the quarter-finals but we are confident we can go through."

England have been constantly reassessing their performances and fielding has been one area where work has been done.

Westley continued: “Fielding is an area we have addressed at a team meeting - when we are on top we are good but in the middle periods of games we have tended to let it drift a little.

“Our catching has generally been phenomenal and Alex Wakely has caught a couple of screamers at first slip."

Considered mainly a batsman by Essex, Westley’s bowling has come to fore during the tournament - he claimed 2-6 against Ireland - although he has struggled with the bat.

Westley expanded: “It has been been a bit frustrating personally - my bowling has come on leaps and bounds and I have contributed well to the side.

“Whereas Liam Dawson probably bowls more wicket-taking deliveries, I tend to build up pressure and get wickets that way.

“Batting-wise, it has been frustrating. I have got a few starts and not really kicked on due to whatever reasons - sometimes the order is shuffled."

England lost to India by six wickets in a World Cup warm-up fixture in a game that Westley missed through a finger injury, but he is positive for Sunday.

“We played a warm-up game against them about and we ran them pretty close and we were probably on top for about 70 per cent of the game but it was during the middle part of the game that we let it slip," he said.

“We have beaten the world champions (Pakistan) twice on the bounce so we are confident."