Cook welcomes home pressure

England are confident they can use home support to their advantage in Wednesday's Champions Trophy semi-final against South Africa.

Opposing captain AB de Villiers has suggested that all the pressure will be on England - with expectations high that they can at last win this country's first global one-day international trophy.

England captain Alastair Cook, however, has no doubts that the vociferous hopes of the majority at The Oval will spur his team on, and he said: "We're used to playing in front of these big crowds, and we wouldn't swap the support we've had in this tournament or the support we get at home or abroad with anyone."

Cook added: "We're very lucky as a side to have that support, and I don't see it at all as a hindrance."

Cook also reads little into South Africa's apparently unshakeable reputation as a team of 'chokers' on the big occasion.

They have not won a knockout match in an International Cricket Council tournament since prevailing in the first edition of this same competition 15 years ago.

But Cook said: "I think they've done all right. 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. What's gone on in the past has no relevance.

"It's whichever side handles the pressure well, and people in that side - in your own side - put their hands up and deliver. That's what you have to do in these big games."