Joe Denly says he is relishing the prospect of playing in the Champions Trophy semi-final on Friday.

Written off at the start, after losing the one-day series 6-1 against Australia, England have surprised everyone by reaching the last four after beating Sri Lanka and South Africa and now face Australia at Centurion.

Kent batsman Denly (pictured) said: “The win over Sri Lanka was a massive confidence boost for us and opened a few eyes about just what we were capable of doing as a side. Sometimes it helps being the underdogs, with people not expecting us to do so well.

“The semi-final will be a great occasion and there will be no better stage to test yourself. I think I have settled in well to international cricket, and a couple of decent balls have got me out but I have felt pretty comfortable.

Denly made 21 in the victory against South Africa and five against New Zealand and Sri Lanka - before being caught in the deep by JP Duminy off Jacques Kallis, and said: “I think the ball was there either to hit for six, or hit it along the ground, but it was nice to contribute with catches to dismiss two big players like Kallis and AB de Villiers.”