T20 World Cup 2024: England's Strategy Thwarted By Rain In Opener Against Scotland

England coach Matthew Mott attributed his team's "sloppy" start against Scotland to nerves but remained confident they had favourable conditions for a successful chase if the game had not been abandoned.

Their World Cup opener was interrupted by rain after only one innings, which was split into two due to the weather. Scotland's Michael Jones and George Munsey scored an impressive 90-0 in their 10 overs.

England were set a target of 109 in 10 overs, but another rainstorm prevented them from starting their chase before the match was called off.

Before the first rain break, Mark Wood had George Munsey caught on 16, but Munsey was reprieved when Wood was shown to have bowled a front-foot no-ball. Misfields also allowed extra runs.

Despite what Mott described as "sloppy" play while bowling, he was confident his side could have mounted a successful chase.

"It was probably just a bit of nerves at the start of a tournament," Mott told the BBC.

CALLED OFF

Our T20 World Cup opener vs Scotland has been abandoned due to wet weather.#EnglandCricket | #ENGvSCO pic.twitter.com/rU7m524vL0

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 4, 2024

"There's definitely areas we want to improve on, but there was a lot of good stuff in there as well," Mott continued.

"That was certainly an achievable chase. We probably would have had all the things in our favour in terms of only 10 overs, 10 wickets in hand and a wet ball [for Scotland's bowlers]."

"It was frustrating not to get back out there, but that's the way it is."

Next up for England in Group B is Australia on Saturday at the Kensington Oval, Barbados.

"I definitely think Australia is a big game but it's our next game and that's why it's a big game, and then depending on how we go there we reset and go again," Mott added.

"I'm sure, if the weather allows us, I think it'll be a fantastic contest."