Right ahead of the all-important T20 World Cup 2022's semifinal clash on November 10, England team has dealt with a massive jolt as their explosive batter Dawid Malan is doubtful to feature in the big game after picking up an injury during the Super 12 clash.
Malan sustained a groin injury in England's four-wicket win over Sri Lanka on Saturday. The former world No. 1 T20I batter hobbled off the field during the Sri Lankan innings and did not return to bat in England's run chase.
Vice-captain Moeen Ali said Malan's injury doesn't look good.
"He is a big player and has been for a number of years," Ali told the 'BBC'.
"He has been one of our best players. I don't know but it (Malan's injury) doesn't look great." England, who finished second in their Super 12 Group 1, will clash with Group 1 toppers India on Thursday. India secured top spot in Group 2 on Sunday by beating Zimbabwe. They have arguably been the most impressive side in the tournament but were beaten by five wickets by South Africa during the group stage.
"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," Ali said.
Phil Salt, the only spare batter in the squad, is the likely replacement if Malan does not take the field.
Salt has played 11 T20s for England and hit 88 not out - his highest score - against Pakistan in September.
That came when playing as an opener but the 26-year-old would more likely to slot into the middle order.
England's squad for T20 WC 2022: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Ben Stokes, Tymal Mills, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Alex Hales. Standby Players: Liam Dawson, Richard Gleeson.
India's squad for T20 WC 2022: Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami. Standby Players: Mohammed Siraj, Shreyas Iyer, Ravi Bishnoi, Shardul Thakur.
