Dawid Malan is the new man at the top of the ICC standings for T20I hitters, his 129 runs in the three-game series against Australia, which England won 2-1, pushing Pakistan’s Babar Azam to No. 2 in the latest update. .
Malan, who has a remarkable T20I record (682 runs in 16 matches, with an average of 48.71 and a hit rate of 146.66, and a century to go with seven half centuries) was at his best in the first T20I against Australia, his 43-ball 66 which earned him the Man of the Match award after a two-run win.
By the end of the series, he had moved up four spots to the top, the best position of his career after reaching No. 2 in November of last year. His efforts have earned him a call-up as a reserve for England’s 50-plus squad to face Australia this week, with Joe Denly released to join Kent.
“His form in the T20 as it is is really phenomenal,” said Chris Silverwood, England’s head coach. “He seems to keep getting better the more he hits, which is great, and it’s good to see him. He worked hard to get into the team and when he had his chance, he took it, which is great to watch and obviously his record is brilliant right now, very good for him. “
Malan’s ODI opportunities may be limited, with Jason Roy due to return from lateral tension, along with Jos Buttler, who was released from the England bubble by the third T20I. Eoin Morgan is making good progress after a finger dislocation, while Phil Salt from Sussex has already been called up as a reserve.
“[Malan]He’s been hired, he’s in great shape, and he’s on the reserve list right now, so if something happens, he’s there, right? Silverwood added. The 50+ format is a difficult team to enter. If the opportunity presents itself, I’m sure he will seize it with both hands, but it may be a matter of waiting for that opportunity. “
Other England hitters who rose in the ICC rankings after the Australia series are Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler, who moved up three spots to No. 19 and 12 spots to No. 28 respectively – Buttler scored 121 runs in two games, which also won him the Player of the Series award.
There was no move among the Australians in the top ten of the hitters list – Aaron Finch stayed at No. 3 and Glenn Maxwell retained sixth place – but speedy pitcher Kane Richardson has entered the top ten for the first time in his career. race. his three wickets helped him get into number 10.
Slightly ahead of Richardson, England’s Adil Rashid gained two spots to reach No. 7 after finishing the series as the most successful bowler, with six wickets, while Australian spinner Ashton Agar remained in third place after. to collect five plots. .
Australia, which started the series ten points ahead of England at the top of the list among T20I teams, briefly slipped to No. 2 after falling 2-0 behind in the series, but returned to the top after winning. the last game.
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