After almost crashing out of the World Twenty20 in a rain-afflicted group stage, the signs are that England have mastered the format at just the right time in the Super Eight.

A perfect run of three wins against reigning champions Pakistan, much-fancied South Africa and perennial dark horses New Zealand has seen Andy Flower’s side surge into a semi-final against Sri Lanka tomorrow – and raised hopes of finally ending the country’s duck in International cricket Council tournaments.

And the number of key contributors throughout that run, coupled with the impact of a couple of new faces, suggests England have finally found the squad balance they have long searched for in Twenty20 cricket - and indeed in limited-overs games generally.

Opening pair Craig Kieswetter and Hampshire opener Michael Lumb have ensured racing starts in most games, ending one of the longest-standing problems facing England in the short forms.

The Somerset wicketkeeper may have contributed the greater volume of runs, most notably his 41 against the Proteas.

But it is Lumb who has drawn on his Indian Premier League stint to push the tempo in the early stages - with the exception of a three-run failure in that same game.

The pair, as has been widely commented on, were both born in South Africa - and another import from the same nation has played the central role in England’s success.

Kevin Pietersen’s poor scores over the past year have given Flower and his staff cause for concern, but blistering half-centuries against Pakistan and South Africa announced his return to top form before he, quite properly, returned home to be at wife Jessica’s side during the birth of their first son.

The Hampshire batsman will be back in harness for the last-four outing and will be keen to mark the occasion in style.

Irishman Eoin Morgan had taken the plaudits with 55 from 35 balls in an ultimately futile 191 for six against the West Indies and joins Paul Collingwood and the big-hitting Luke Wright in a middle order stacked with quick runs, with Tim Bresnan also able to clear the ropes in addition to his impressive new-ball and death bowling.

A narrow defeat to the Kiwis would have been enough to ensure England’s progress but the Yorkshire all-rounder, who had earlier snared one for 20 in four fine overs, blazed 23 not out from 11 balls to render such considerations immaterial.

Graeme Swann and Mike Yardy have fulfilled the important role performed by spinners in Twenty20 cricket, taking 12 wickets between them at a combined average of under 16 and an economy rate of less than seven runs per over, while Swann’s nearest challengers in the wickets and average columns are seamers Ryan Sidebottom and Stuart Broad.

Australia undoubtedly remain favourites and have looked irresistible thus far.

But the short format increases uncertainty and, with a fully-functioning XI coming into form at the right time, England have every chance of putting their narrow escape in the Guyanese rain behind them and finishing the tournament in the best possible style.

Whisper it, but this could be England’s time.