Phil Salt set to replace injured Dawid Malan against India at the T20 World Cup
Young talented Phil Salt is likely to walk into England’s playing XI to replace Dawid Malan for the semi-final clash against India on Thursday (November 10) at the ongoing T20 World Cup. Malan suffered a groin injury against Sri Lanka last week and had to be subbed off.
As per Daily Mail, the left-handed batter will miss the crucial clash after the scans returned negative news. The 26-year-old Salt has been warming the bench so far and is a like-to-like replacement. However, it will be something to see if he gets an opportunity to open the innings or not.
Salt has not batted at No.3 position in his career, so Jos Buttler or Alex Hales might sacrifice their position for a better balance. Or, he might be pushing for a new role as the opening pair have just started clicking. Even all-rounder Ben Stokes can be promoted in the batting order as an aggressive push.
Mark Wood adds to injury woes
After Dawid Malan, England have suffered another injury scare in the form of Mark Wood. The pacer has been in top notch form at the showpiece event, clocking 150 kmph consistently. But he walked out of the training session in Adelaide on Tuesday and didn’t return.
However, England said that Wood was feeling general body stiffness and that the pull-out was a precaution. But the right-arm pacer has been injury prone and underwent two operations in the summer. There are speculations mounting on whether he will be available for the game against Team India or not.
The Lions have the options of Tymal Mills, Luke Wood, Chris Jordan, Richard Gleeson and David Willey to replace Wood. The winner of the contest between India and England will play the final against New Zealand or Pakistan next Sunday. In case of rain, a reserve day is already in place.
Wansh Agarwal
(140 Articles Published)