"If there was one thing the players of England and Italy agreed on at the end of a hugely entertaining and, from an English perspective, frequently concerning match at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, it was that the situation favoured their opponents. England felt the Italians, unburdened by expectation, enjoyed a free hit. It's not an easy game, because all the pressure is on us, said Jamie Overton. It's not easy for them either, but they can go and show what they can do."
"They're an amazing outfit, the English side, said Grant Stewart, whose 23-ball 45 resuscitated Italy's chances as the game neared its conclusion. I think where the game was won and lost was in those big moments. We're not exposed to them as often as they are, and it showed. If we played more of these games so we're exposed to those situations I think we'd probably be better equipped but at the moment it's just not to be. They outskilled us and they won the big moments."
Both England and Italy concluded that the match dynamics advantaged their opponents after a tense game at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. England viewed Italy as enjoying a free hit because of limited expectation and felt the pressure lay with England. Italy considered England's greater tournament experience decisive and credited England for winning the critical moments. Grant Stewart's 23-ball 45 revived Italy's late chances. Several English players had limited World Cup exposure—Overton had three World Cup games (1.5% of 195 senior T20s), Will Jacks seven (2.8% of 247), and Jos Buttler 39 World Cup matches with 92% of appearances outside World Cups. Increased exposure to high-pressure matches was linked to improved performance in tournament situations.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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