'Both Malan and Wood are doubtful’ - Jos Buttler updates on availability of English duo ahead of semi-final clash

England and India are to face in the forthcoming semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday, November 10. Unfortunately for the Three Lions, two key players are on the verge of missing out owing to fitness concerns ahead of the clash.

England skipper Jos Buttler cleared the positions of Mark Wood and Dawid Malan for the match and stated that the duo could miss out against the Men in Blue. Wood withdrew from training on Tuesday (November 8) with the team after sustaining ‘body stiffness’ while Malan endured a groin strain in the Super 12 win over Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the captain also stated that Phil Salt could make the cut in the semi-final contest on Thursday.

“Both Malan and Wood are doubtful. But we would see how they are on match day. We trust our medical team. We need guys to be fit. Full faith in every member of our squad. Going back to the Pakistan tour we gave chance to a lot of youngsters and they did well. Phil Salt has a fantastic mindset, especially for T20Is. He is someone who looks to perform,” said skipper Buttler.

Jos Buttler shares his view on the Adelaide pitch

Both sides have made their trip to Adelaide and are sweating it out for the high-octane contest that is scheduled to be played at the Adelaide Oval. Buttler also opined that his side would aim to have a ‘winning total’ against India.

“Well, we will wait and see. Historically 165 is a par score but we would not like to have a par score. We would like to have a winning total. The wicket looks consistent for 40 overs throughout. In cricket, we all have to adjust to the conditions,” said Buttler while talking about the Adelaide wicket.

In 14 T20 matches played at the Adelaide Oval thus far, teams batting first have won the contest seven times as compared to the team batting second, who have won it six times. This goes on to show that the much-anticipated clash between the sides in the semi-finals could be neck-to-neck.