England will be formidable Twenty20 World Cup opponents even in the absence of injured opener Jason Roy, New Zealand bowler Adam Milne said after his team reached the semi-finals.
Adam Milne Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand will face England, who he described as "world class", in the first semi in Abu Dhabi on Thursday morning in what would be a rematch of the 2019 one-day World Cup final.
Roy retired hurt with a calf injury in England's 10-run loss to South Africa at the weekend and the 2010 champions continue to fret on the opener's availability for the knockout matches.
"I think when you look at the England order, they've got guys that can easily slot in to open," Milne said after New Zealand despatched Afghanistan in their final Super 12 match in Abu Dhabi.
"Jonny Bairstow has opened before. So I think whatever team they have coming out against us, it's going to be a really strong team. We'll have to be right on the mark."
Milne said New Zealand were aware of England's strong white-ball record in recent years but backed themselves to do well against any opposition.
"Obviously, they're a world-class team that's sort of proven over the last few years that in white-ball competitions they're extremely strong," the 29-year-old said.
"They've got a powerful batting order and a very skilled bowling group. We know it's going to be a real tough challenge.
"But saying that, we've also got a really good group with some really skilled bowlers, seamers and spinners and a really good batting group. We're confident we can go out and beat anyone in this tournament."
Jason Roy Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Roy had a scan today and the results are expected on Monday on the injury, which left Roy was close to tears after retiring hurt on 20.
England qualified for the semi-finals despite a 10-run defeat in Sharjah.
"We have a lot of depth and that is something we have tried to build over the last couple of years," said captain Eoin Morgan.
"We have dealt with a lot of injuries throughout and before the tournament."
Roy had to be helped from the field following the injury and was on crutches after the game.
James Vince - one of two remaining reserves in the England squad - is likely to replace Roy if he is ruled out of the rest of the World Cup.
Sam Billings, who is in the 15-man squad but has not played a game in the World Cup, could come into the side, with the option of promoting Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan or Moeen Ali to open.
Pace bowler Tymal Mills' tournament was ended by a thigh strain suffered against Sri Lanka last week.
Unbeaten Pakistan face Australia in the other semi-final on Thursday morning.
-Reuters/BBC
