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Page last updated at 21:09 GMT, Wednesday, 3 June 2009 22:09 UK

Wright pleased to answer critics

Luke Wright
Wright hit a total of five sixes in an explosive innings

England all-rounder Luke Wright was in jubilant mood after taking his chance as Twenty20 opener with 75 not out in the nine-wicket win over West Indies.

"I wasn't too sure where I was going to play if at all so to get the nod to open was fantastic and hopefully we can build on this," he said.

Wright shared a superb opening stand of 119 with Ravi Bopara who made 60.

"We've known each other a long time, and he's playing so well that it takes the pressure off you," he said.

Since playing their inaugural Twenty20 international against Australia four years ago, England have tried 11 different pairings at the top of the order in 15 matches.

Against Scotland on Tuesday, Wright failed to fully convince those sceptical about his credentials as an opener, scoring 19, but was given another chance to open, as he does for Sussex, and responded in magnificent fashion.

"It's nice with the field up at times, the ball does come on nicely so you have a chance to get a good start, but equally it does move around a little bit but I'm happy there," he said.

England now go into the main ICC World Twenty20 event against the Netherlands at Lord's on Friday.

"The nice thing is we have a lot of options, the seamers are all bowling nicely, Jimmy (Anderson), Broady (Stuart Broad) and Sid (Ryan Sidebottom), we're in a positive position and it's a chance to build from this," Wright enthused.

"Whatever squad we go for people are in good nick."



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see also
Wright guides England to huge win
03 Jun 09 |  Cricket
Superb India overwhelm Pakistan
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World Twenty20 warm-up photos
03 Jun 09 |  Cricket
England deny Scots in warm-up win
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Ireland and Aussies win warm-ups
01 Jun 09 |  Cricket
World Twenty20 ones to watch
31 May 09 |  Cricket
Collingwood confident of success
31 May 09 |  Cricket
ICC World Twenty20 2009 results
21 Jun 09 |  Cricket
ICC World Twenty20 squads
10 Jun 09 |  Cricket


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