India are undoubtedly a strong and balanced team, Atherton said on the Sky Cricket Podcast. However, he feels that their bowling attack is somewhat lacking. If the opposition can put consistent pressure on the top five bowlers, then India will not have much options. He also commented that some of the team’s batsmen have not yet returned to their best form.

But according to Atherton, England will have to play their best cricket to beat India. Although England played well in this tournament, the opening pair of Jos Buttler and Phil Salt failed to live up to expectations. Both have not scored 200 runs yet. Salt scored a half-century but Buttler scored just 62 runs in seven innings.

Atherton said, before the start of the tournament, the idea was that England’s success would depend a lot on the Salt-Butler pair. But despite not contributing much, the team reached the semi-finals. This will give England confidence. According to him, the team is gradually improving and can take themselves a step further at crucial times.

India reached the semi-finals with a cool run chase against the West Indies, which is a testament to their mental fortitude. According to Atherton, India and South Africa can be seen fighting in this final as in 2024. But before that, England will have to prove their best in the big test of the semi-finals.