IND vs ENG: Richard Gleeson Optimistic On His T20 World Cup Chances - "If I Keep Performing, Anything Could Happen"

Richard Gleeson of England thinks that if he keeps playing well, he would have a chance to play in the T20 World Cup later this year after putting up a spectacular performance against India on his debut. 

In the second T20I, which the visitors won by 49 runs, Gleeson struck out the esteemed three of India captain Rohit Sharma, star batsman Virat Kohli, and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant with his fifth, seventh, and eighth deliveries. The 34-year-old completed with stellar numbers of 3/15. 

Richard Gleeson Disappointed After Loss

“Great to make my debut, but it’s all about winning games of cricket really, at the end of the day. So it’s disappointing to lose, but on a personal note, great start,” Gleeson said at the post-match press conference. 

Gleeson, who began playing professionally at the age of 27, is hopeful that he would be selected for the next T20 World Cup.

 “You want to play in the big occasions, don’t you? So, yeah, why not? I’ll just look towards the next game and go from there. 

“(England selection) wasn’t anywhere near my radar. It was just to play the highest standard that I could. I just want to keep playing cricket and enjoying it, playing for as long as I can. Who knows? If I keep performing, anything could happen.”  

India Were A Little Bit Over-par: Richard Gleeson

The Indian bowlers, headed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, bowled masterfully to dismiss the hosts for 121 after setting a 171-run total, taking an unbeatable 2-0 series lead. 

“I think maybe they (India) were a little bit over-par. 

“And then they started well with the ball. So that’s always going to put us on the back foot, and they bowled well. But that can be the way T20 cricket goes at times. 

“You play the game hard, so sometimes you come off, sometimes you don’t. It’s just you’ve got to take the rough with the smooth if you’re going to play that way, and I don’t think we’ll be taking a backwards step in the next game.”  

In 2020, the right-armer experienced a stress fracture in his lower back that may have ended his career. Reflecting on the injury, Gleeson said “It wasn’t me contemplating retirement. It’s something that would have been forced upon me. 

“(The recovery) was a long, slow process. Unfortunately, because of my age, it takes a little bit longer to heal from things like that. But (playing again) makes it all worthwhile.” 

Also Read: IND vs ENG: Virender Sehwag Lauds Rishabh Pant’s Decision To Open Batting In Second T20I Against England