England's Dawid Malan likely to miss semi-final against India

The left-handed batter sustained a groin injury against Sri Lanka

ADELAIDE: England batter Dawid Malan is likely to miss his side's T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final clash against India on Thursday.

Malan did not bat in the run-chase during England's victory over Sri Lanka on Saturday because of a groin injury.

Phil Salt is the most likely replacement because he is the only available batter in the team. There's also a possibility of a different bowling option, like David Willey, Chris Jordan, or Tymal Mills, could be added to the playing eleven.

That would need compromising on the "batting heavy" strategy that England has favoured throughout the competition thus far, which calls for choosing seven starting batters and all-rounders.

Malan is the top-ranked batter in England in the T20 world rankings, but the World Cup has not been kind to him. His best performance was a 35 from 37 balls against Ireland in the group stage loss.

"He is a big player and has been for a number of years," vice-captain Moeen Ali told the BBC. "He has been one of our best players. I don't know but it [Malan's injury] doesn't look great."

In his 11 T20 matches for England, Salt hit an unbeaten 88 against Pakistan in September, setting a new personal best. However, the batter scored big playing as an opener but he will be given an opportunity in the middle-order.

India defeated Zimbabwe on Sunday to take the top spot in Group 2. Although they have undoubtedly been the most impressive team in the competition, they were defeated by South Africa by five wickets during the group stage.

Talking about clashing with the Men in Blue, the Poms' skipper said: "It doesn't get bigger and better than playing India anywhere in the world because of the crowds and they are such a big side and force in cricket," Moeen said.

"I am very excited and looking forward to it."

England will lock horns with India in the second semi-final of the mega event at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday, November 10.