Malan finally makes England debut – but it’s well worth the wait

DAWID Malan insisted he must build on his impressive debut after his halfcentury helped England secure a NatWest International Twenty20 Series victory over South Africa.

Middlesex left-hander Malan made 78 from 44 balls – the highest score by an England player on T20 debut – as the hosts posted 181 for eight on their way to a 19-run win at the SSE Swalec Stadium in Cardiff.

The success, which was secured without rested captain Eoin Morgan, wrapped up a 2-1 series win.

England’s next T20 match comes in September and Malan knows he must continue his form in county cricket.

“I don’t think playing one game, you can’t think you’ve made it,” he said. “You’ve got to constantly put scores on the board.

“Hopefully, they (England) rest a lot of other players for the next game again and I can get another shout.”

Malan, who turns 30 in just over two months, admitted he thought his chance of playing international cricket may have gone.

“I didn’t think it would ever come but it was nice to get an opportunity and to go and show what I can do,” he added. “The first few balls I wasn’t (composed). When the nerves left the body, it was a lot easier. To play for your country’s a fantastic experience; I think you’re nervous either way.”

In the absence of Morgan, England were captained by Jos Buttler.

The stand-in skipper praised the impact of his side’s inexperienced international players, including man-of-the-match Malan.

“I think if you look around all the best teams in the world, there’s always very good players missing out with injuries or resting guys,” Buttler said. “Dawid Malan just did what he’s being doing outside of the team.”