Dawid Malan could be ruled OUT for the rest of the World Cup after limping off with a groin injury

Dawid Malan limped off with what appeared to be a groin injury during England’s crucial World Cup clash with Sri Lanka, putting him at risk for the remainder of the tournament. 

During the 15th over of Sri Lanka’s innings, Malan pulled up whilst chasing the ball in the field, immediately signalling to the bench that he needed to make way for substitute fielder Chris Jordan.

Although there is no confirmation from the England camp yet, early signs suggest the 35-year-old, who has emerged a key part of England’s batting line-up at number three, could be ruled out and replaced by spare batsman Philip Salt in the semi-finals.

Dawid Malan limped off with a groin injury during England’s crucial clash against Sri Lanka 

Ben Stokes helped the batter hobble off the field after he pulled up during Sri Lanka’s innings

England, who needed a win to advance in the tournament, stemmed the flow of Sri Lanka’s innings and were set a target of 142.

During the interval, former England Test captain and pundit Nasser Hussain advised Buttler to move left-handers Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes up the order as a result of Malan’s injury.

He said on Sky Sports: ‘I’d go with Moeen Ali up the order because he’s England’s best player of spin. If they lose an early wicket, I’d put Stokes in. 

Nasser Hussain urged England not to make drastic changes if he is ruled out of the World Cup

‘This is what Stokes is in this side for. A knockout game to get you into a semi-final.’

When asked about England’s plans beyond the Sri Lanka match, which may involve making Salt an opening batter and pushing Hales down the order, Hussain said: ‘I wouldn’t change too much.

‘I think Salt’s the spare batter so he would come in but it depends how Hales goes here. He could smash it. He got a brilliant hundred in Chittagong didn’t he against this Sri Lanka side. Ben Duckett could be called up as a reserve, who knows.’