Image: Reuters
Express paceman Wood withdrew from training on Tuesday with the team saying he had “body stiffness”, while Malan had a groin strain in the Super 12 win over Sri Lanka. Buttler said the decision to include the duo lay with medical staff ahead of the match at Adelaide Oval. “We trust those two guys as well and we’ll give them as long as possible ,” Buttler told reporters at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday.The unused Phil Salt is the only batting cover in England’s squad and could slot in for number three batsman Malan, though selectors might opt for an extra bowler.
“I think he has a fantastic mindset for the T20 format,” Buttler said of hard-hitting wicketkeeper Salt, who knows the venue well as a member of Big Bash League side Adelaide Strikers.“Certainly, I wouldn’t expect to see anything else from him if he gets the chance to play.”