Moeen Ali: ‘Dawid Malan’s injury doesn’t look great’

• Dawid Malan is unlikely to be available for the team’s semifinal match against India
• Malan is the top-ranked batter for England in 20-over matches, but his performance has been far from stellar thus far
• Ali expressed excitement at the possibility of playing India at Adelaide Oval

Left-handed batsman Dawid Malan of England is unlikely to be available for the team’s semifinal match against India at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday, according to all-rounder Moeen Ali, who also has a groined issue.

In the fifteenth over, Malan pulled up while chasing a ball to the boundary and hobbled off the field. He was prepared to bat when England faltered in the later stages of their chase, but he was ultimately not required as they successfully chased down the total to secure their semifinal position.

“He is a big player and has been for a number of years. He has been one of our best players. I don’t know but it (Malan’s injury) doesn’t look great,” On Monday, Ali—who is also England’s vice-captain said

Malan is the top-ranked batter for England in 20-over matches, but his performance has been far from stellar thus far. His 35 off 37-ball knock in the five-run loss to Ireland during the Super 12s is his best performance thus far in the competition.

In the event that Malan is unable to recover in time for Thursday’s semifinal match against India, England may opt to utilize Phil Salt, their lone backup hitter. With a best score of 88 not out against Pakistan in September, Salt has appeared in 11 T20Is for England. Although Salt is mostly an opener, he has also batted in different spots.

If not Salt, fast-bowling all-rounders David Willey, Chris Jordan, or left-arm quick Tymal Mills could replace him at number three, a position in which he performed well during the chase against Sri Lanka. This would represent a change from England’s heavy batting strategy, which has been made up of batters and all-rounders.

Ali expressed excitement at the possibility of playing India at Adelaide Oval in the semifinals. India will be headed by Rohit Sharma.

“It doesn’t get bigger and better than playing India anywhere in the world because of the crowds and they are such a big side and force in cricket. I am very excited and looking forward to it.”

England will play its first game of the tournament at Adelaide Oval on Thursday in the semifinal. They will therefore need to adapt to the wicket’s short square dimensions and long, straight boundaries as soon as possible. India had already competed at the Adelaide Oval, defeating Bangladesh in a Super 12 encounter last week by a score of five runs.

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