Why Axar Patel could play a crucial role vs England?

Some fans and experts feel that Axar Patel has been underutilised in the ongoing T20 World Cup. However, he could play a key role if used properly in the T20 World Cup semi-final against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, March 5.

So far in the marquee event, Axar featured in five out of the seven matches India have played. He has accounted for seven wickets at an average of 20.43 and an economy rate of 7.53. Axar was dropped for a couple of matches and that call by the team management was severely criticised by fans and experts.

The left-arm spinner could have a crucial role to play in the upcoming second semi-final against England, as the Three Lions have three right-handed batters - Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, and Harry Brook - at the top. Don't be surprised if Axar takes the new ball inside the power play along with Arshdeep Singh.

Axar has a decent record against England in T20I cricket. In nine matches, he has accounted for nine wickets at an average of 22.11 and an economy rate of 7.37. If Axar can strike in the power play and get even one out of the three right-handers out, it would be a terrific bit of work from the Indian vice-captain.

Axar bowled two overs inside the powerplay against the West Indies in India's most recent fixture, which was a do-or-die contest for both teams in the Super 8. He gave away just five runs in the first over but went for 10 in the second.

Axar eventually finished with figures of 0/35 in his four overs, not a night he would want to remember fondly. However, he still was the most economical spinner on the night as the match was played on a belter of a track. The 32-year-old could expect at least a little more help on offer from the Wankhede surface on Thursday. If he can get the ball to grip, his tendency to target the stumps consistently will put the England batters under a lot of pressure.