England captain Alastair Cook feels that South African team's habit of choking in major ICC competitions will have no relevance when the two teams square up for their Champions Trophy semi-final at the Oval tomorrow.
"It's another day tomorrow, it's another game, and what's gone on in the past has no relevance to tomorrow. It's whichever side handles the pressure well tomorrow, and people in that side -- in your own side, put your hand up and deliver, and that's what you have to do in these big games," Cook said at the pre-match media conference.
For the talented England captain, it's a massive game as they now get a chance to qualify for the final of an ICC event.
"It's a massive game for both sides. We've got the opportunity to go into the final of an ICC competition, and it's such an exciting place for a player to be. It's an amazing opportunity we've got tomorrow, and I think both sides will be excited."
Cook did admit that the target will be to dismiss opposition's main batsman Hashim Amla quickly in order to get an upperhand.
"We know he's (Amla) a fantastic player, but as all players are vulnerable early, we have to try and strike early, and if he gets in it's a danger for us. Certainly a key man, but if we can get him out, that does put pressure on other players in their set-up."
Negotiating world's No 1 fats bowler Dale Steyn will be critical to how England can build around a total, feels the skipper.
"It's a bit like how we played Malinga, how we play Dale Steyn. It's crucial to building a big total. Obviously, with the new ball, the threat of striking early against us is obviously a danger, and it's how we play him, and we played him quite well in the past and we have to do that again tomorrow.
