ITALIAN JOB DONE...JUST

Nervous England SHREY given fright by minnows

- FROM DAVID CHARLESWORTH

WILL JACKS insisted England's confidence had not been dented by them limping through the first group stage of the T20 World Cup after they were given another scare by Italy.

England underwhelmed in wins against Nepal and Scotland either side of a loss to the West Indies - the only other Test team in their group — but beating Italy has taken them into the Super 8s stage.

‘As with Nepal and Scotland, it was far from straightforward despite amassing 202-7, with Jacks’ IT20 best 53 not out from just 22 balls rescuing England from 105-5 following a top-order misfire.

The tournament's lowest-ranked side, who have teachers, factory workers and a pizza chef in the ranks, had their moments in the chase before England closed out a 24-run victory to the relief of Jacks.