Dawid Malan Is The Glue In England's 'Phenomenal' Batting-Order - Deep Dasgupta

Former India wicketkeeper, Deep Dasgupta says that Dawid Malan is the vital bridge between the openers and the lower middle-order in England’s dynamic batting order.

Ahead of the 5-match T20I series between India and England, which commences on Friday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Dasgupta reckons Malan’s key role is to hold one end of the innings as other batsmen keep attacking incessantly from the other.

Dawid Malan is the current number 1 ICC T20I batsman with a 915 rating – miles ahead of the next best Aaron Finch who has 830 rating points. In 19 T20Is, the left-hander averages 53.43 at a strike rate of 149.47. His exploits earned him a contract with Punjab Kings for IPL 2021.

“Their batting order is absolutely phenomenal, especially Dawid Malan. They have Morgan, then the two openers Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow. Dawid Malan is the top-ranked T20I batsman, he has been in incredible form. Malan’s main role will be to be there till the end. While he has the ability to play the long innings, he also scores runs at a fair click. So he is the glue in that batting order, he keeps them going,” Deep Dasgupta told Sports Today.

England’s biggest advantage is the number of all-rounders: Deep Dasgupta

Deep Dasgupta feels that Eoin Morgan’s side are the favourites to win the T20 World Cup later this year; England is unbeaten in their last 8 T20I series – 7 wins and 1 draw.

The 43-year-old cricketer-turned-commentator points out that unlike the Test series, where key players were rested, the Three Lions will be with their best eleven – the current squad is very similar to the one which will take the field in the World Cup.

Deep Dasgupta opines that England’s biggest strength is the number of all-rounders they have in the likes of Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, and Liam Livingstone – adding depth to the batting order liberating the batsmen to bat aggressively and also giving plenty of bowling options.

“England not just a formidable team but also one of the favourites to win the T20 World Cup. The way that they have been played both the shorter formats – T20s & ODIs. Morgan is a really good captain, the way he leads that side. Maybe the best playing XI wasn’t available for the Test series but they have made sure their best XI is available for the ODIs and T20Is.

“When you look at their batsmen, the biggest advantage that England has is the number of all-rounders in the squad. They don’t have to worry about the batting because of the all-rounders that they have,” the former keeper added.

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