India vs England T20 World Cup Semi-Final: Sam Curran aims to silence Wankhede like Australia did in 2023

England all-rounder Sam Curran says he is ready for the noise at Wankhede Stadium, but hopes his team can turn the famous Mumbai roar into silence when they face India in the T20 World Cup semi-final. Speaking ahead of England’s training on Tuesday afternoon, Curran called the occasion “an amazing experience” and said a quiet crowd would mean England are doing their job well.

“Hopefully it’ll be a nice, silent stadium. but I am sure it’s going to be very, very loud and such a cool occasion. Two great teams, this is what the last four or five weeks have been building for. Hopefully, we can take one more step towards the final”.

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Nothing more satisfying than hearing crowd go silent: Pat Cummins' famous statement

In the 2023 ODI World Cup final at Ahmedabad, Australia captain Pat Cummins made a remark that later became iconic. Ahead of the clash against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium, which was packed with over one lakh Indian fans, Cummins had said, “The crowd is going to be very one-sided, but that’s what makes it fun. There’s nothing more satisfying than hearing a big crowd go silent.” After Australia defeated India to lift the trophy, that line was widely recalled on social media as the visitors had effectively silenced the massive home support. The statement has since become shorthand for touring teams embracing hostile atmospheres rather than fearing them.

Sam Curran repeats Cummins' iconin line before India England Semi Final

With a place in the final at stake, England know they must beat India in their own backyard, something Australia managed memorably in 2023. Curran believes his side can draw inspiration from that.

‘If the crowd is silent, England are probably going to be doing well’

Curran admitted that playing India in India is a childhood dream for many cricketers.

“Flying to Mumbai from Sri Lanka, you kind of think about what you were dreaming of as a kid, what would you love to do and that’s probably take on India in India. It’s such an amazing experience,” Curran said on Tuesday afternoon, ahead of England’s training.

He made it clear that England are not afraid of the atmosphere. Instead, they see it as motivation.

“It will be incredibly loud and you have got to look at that as an exciting opportunity. If the crowd is silent, England are probably going to be doing well, so that’s our positive way of looking at it.”

IPL exposure gives England belief

Curran pointed out that many England players are familiar with packed Indian stadiums because of their IPL experience. That exposure, he said, will help them block out distractions.

“The positive for us (is) we have played so much cricket in India and you just get so used to it, you can block it out. You take it in. It’s such a cool experience and so many young cricketers would love to be playing against India in the semifinals,” Curran said.

He knows the reality of Wankhede crowds, but he still allowed himself a hopeful smile.