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Thursday, November 14, 2024  
11 Jumada Al-Awwal 1446  

Malan says Pakistan match could be his last for England

'I don't know what my future holds, whether that will be my choice or the team's choice,' says Malan
ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 - England v Netherlands - Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, India - November 8, 2023 England’s Dawid Malan walks after losing his wicket, run out by Netherlands’ Logan van Beek. Photo Reuters
ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 - England v Netherlands - Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, India - November 8, 2023 England’s Dawid Malan walks after losing his wicket, run out by Netherlands’ Logan van Beek. Photo Reuters

Dawid Malan will not be surprised if Saturday’s match against Pakistan proves to be his last for England, who might opt for a 50-overs reset following their dismal World Cup title defence in India, the opening batter said on Friday.

Jos Buttler’s England managed just two wins in their first eight group matches to be eliminated from the tournament and are now playing for a top-eight finish to secure their place in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

The debacle has prompted demands for a complete overhaul of the 50-overs side, and Malan knows age is not on his side even though he has been England’s best batter in the tournament.

“I guess I’m in a unique situation being the second oldest in this team,” the 36-year-old told reporters at Eden Gardens.

“I don’t know what my future holds, whether that will be my choice or the team’s choice.”

“Tomorrow could be the last game of cricket for England for me and it could still be the start of another journey. Who knows? We’ll only find out when the dust settles.”

Malan is one two English batters along with Ben Stokes who managed a century in the tournament and his average of 46.62 is better than any of his team mates.

“Playing for England means everything for me. I’ve made no secret of that,” Malan said.

“I’ve always wanted to be part of this team and play for England for as long as I can but ultimately you get to a stage where you have to look a little bit further ahead and see what’s best for the team…

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