T20: Dawid Malan is now world’s number one batsman

English batsman, Dawid Malan has now topped the T20 latest batting ranking.

Malan, who was second in November last year moved to the top after helping England defeat Australia 2-1 in their last series.

Maran was number five on the ranking before moving up four places to the top. The 33-year-old left-hander scored 66, 42 and 21 runs against Australia to earn the spot.

Malan, who plies his trade with Yorkshire already has 16 T20 internationals, averaging 48.71, with an overall strike-rate of 146.66 in his locker.

Speaking on the development, England Coach Chris Silverwood said his form in T20 had been nothing short of phenomenal as he keeps getting better the more he bats.

While stating that his performance it’s great and good to watch, the coach added that Malan worked hard to get into the team and utilised his opportunity. Having taken the opportunity, Silverwood described his record as brilliant.

Also moving up is fellow England batsman Jonny Bairstow. Bairstow, who among the England squad that won the 2019 Cricket World Cup moved up three places to 19th while Jos Buttler enjoyed a meteoric rise from 40th to 28th.

Meanwhile, English bowlers also moved up the ladder. Spinner Adil Rashid rose two places to seventh after taking six wickets against Australia.

Australia has now returned as the number one team in the T20 rankings. They had lost the spot to England after losing their first two matches but won the third. Their 275 points bettered England’s 271.

Meanwhile, Malan will be among the reserve in the one-day series against Australia while Joe Denly goes back to Kent. His performance earned him a place in the 50-over format.

Speaking before the three-match ODI series, Silverwood, who described the format team as a tough one to get into expects Malan to grab his opportunity once it comes. He added that he needs to be patient and wait for the opportunity.

 
 
Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed