Eoin Morgan has backed Yorkshire batsman Dawid Malan to step up and fill the void left by the injured Jason Roy when England begin their T20 series against Pakistan in Manchester today.
World Cup-winning opener Roy was yesterday ruled out of the series with a side strain, meaning Malan, who hit England’s fastest-ever T20 hundred during the winter tour of New Zealand, is expected to partner Jonny Bairstow at the top of the order.
Along with bowler Chris Jordan, Malan missed last month’s ODIs against Ireland, and with Morgan’s white-ball squad already significantly weakened by the absence of England’s Test stars, the pair’s returns are a significant boost.
“[It’s] massive,” Morgan said. “CJ and Dawid’s contributions in international T20s are well documented. Dawid, in particular, has put together an early establishment of a career.
"Every time he is available, he has put himself forward as the next man in simply by weight of runs and the rate at which he has scored them. CJ has been an integral part of our bowling line-up for a very long time.
"He’s a leader within our group as well. He’s fantastic to have back.”
With Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes expected to be available for next month’s white-ball series against Australia, several of Morgan’s side will effectively be playing for their place in the squad.
“I think this is another opportunity for guys to try and present their best case moving forward for winter tours and the World Cup next year,” Morgan added. “Opportunities like this don’t come along often.”
