WID, WHAM BLAM!
Malan wraps it up
DAWID MALAN lived up to his lofty billing as the world’s best T20 batsman as Sri Lanka were ruthlessly swatted aside – as were his critics.
The elegant left-hander topped the scoring with a destructive 76 as Eoin Morgan’s side completed a clean sweep against the hapless tourists.
Malan shared a century opening stand with Jonny Bairstow and then the bowlers took over to wrap up a huge 89-run win. That completed a comfortable 3-0 series win as the momentum built up by Morgan’s men shows no sign of slowing. One of the major pluses England’s skipper will take from this was Malan – who may top the international rankings of T20 batsmen but somehow struggles to nail down a regular spot in the line-up. He was not helped by two failures in the previous two games. But he was restored to his favourite position as opener due to injuries to Jos Buttler and Jason Roy and responded by holding together an innings that promised much more after such a blistering start. Bairstow provided much of the early impetus but once he departed Malan took over and by the time he was out in the 17th over, had blasted five fours and four sixes in his 48-ball knock.
It built a platform for a total of 180.
And Sri Lanka had taken coach Mickey
Arthur’s words too much to heart, playing with too carefree an approach that never looked capable of taking on England’s bowlers.
Malan said: “I’ve always opened the batting. Even though I’ve batted at No.3 for England, I’m actually an opener – and I’ve gone back to doing what I do.
“That’s the way my game is set up – to play good shots – and it gives me time to cash in on the powerplay in overs four, five and six.
“If I come in at three, then it’s seven and eight and different circumstances.
“But just to break into this team is difficult enough. I’m just happy to fill in wherever there’s a spot.”
Asked if he had fired a shot across the bows of those who doubt he has the ability to shine repeatedly on the international stage, he said: “It would be naive of me to say that it doesn’t bother me – but I think I’ve proved my point.”
Judging by the comments of his captain afterwards, Malan has certainly given him food for thought with the World Cup just four months away.
Morgan said: “There are no concerns about Dawid whatsoever.
“He’s a top player and hopefully he continues throughout the summer as he has in an England shirt so far.”
With the ball, England simply had too much for their opponents who caved in after David Willey (below) saw Malan cling onto a chance in the slips in the first over.
Willey (3-27) and Sam Curran (2-14) did most of the damage but Chris Woakes’ miserly spell of 1-9 from his four overs set up the victory.
And Sam Billings’ direct hit from the outfield gave the 3,000 spectators at the Ageas Bowl a highlight to cheer.