We have not performed at our best: Joe Root

A win against Sri Lanka will put them firmly in contention for a semi-final berth but England’s best batsman Joe Root was forthright in his assessment that his team has not been able to play “best cricket” so far.

“If we’re being honest, we’ve not done one part of our game consistently well. Times we’ve bowled extremely well and when we’ve batted well. The exciting thing for me is, when that comes together we’ll be a very hard side to beat,” Root told mediapersons ahead of their final group league game against Sri Lanka here on Saturday. But he also admitted that finding ways to win is the key, which they have done in the last two matches.

“We have not performed at our best throughout the competition, which in a way is quite exciting because we know that’s still to come. The really pleasing thing for me is we’re finding ways of winning games of cricket. As long as we can continue to do that, all we can worry about is making sure we get that win on Saturday and give ourselves the best chance of qualifying,” said Root.

Even if England win, they need to keep a track of other matches and Root said that they are keeping a tab of what’s happening in the group. "Important to watch the other games. Especially, throughout the tournament, how certain pitches are likely to play. Tonight’s an important game for us, because we’ll have an idea where we’ll stand in the table. For us, it’s about winning the game that’s the only way we’re going to be able to qualify."