Xtra Time Web Desk: England batter Dawid Malan and fast bowler Mark Wood are doubtful for the semi-final clash of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022 against India at Adelaide Oval on Thursday.
Wood did come with the team for the training session on Wednesday and rolled his arms at a gingerly pace in the nets. The fast bowler is definitely a doubtful starter for Thursday’s semi final against India. If he does not recover in time for the match, Chris Jordan will replace him.
Wood has been the fastest bowler at the tournament and has picked up nine wickets in four matches. He did not participate in the optional practice session and did not bowl in the nets, seemingly as a precautionary measure ahead of the crucial tie. He recently missed the entire summer programme after undergoing two operations on his right elbow.
Wood is not the only English player who could be out injured. England batter Dawid Malan was confirmed to miss out the semi-final between England and India due to injury. Malan pulled his groin in England’s final Super-12 match against Sri Lanka and had to hobble off the pitch. Phil Salt is all set to replace Malan in England’s playing XI against India.
Meanwhile Jos Buttler and his boys had a rigorous training session ahead of the big semi-final against India. All the batters – Phil Salt, Harry Brook, Alex Hales, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali had a good knock at the nets. Buttler looked in quite an aggressive mood at the nets.
Fast bowlers including Chris Woakes, Tymal Mills, Chris Jordan, David Willey also had an extended bowling session. England will be relying on their spin duo Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali as well. Ben Stokes too rolled his arm at the nets.
England’s likely playing XI will be Jos Buttler, Alex Hales, Phil Salt, Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan and Adil Rashid.