World T20 Champs, Second Round, Oct 22 - Nov 13

[Durhamfootman]

Malan was injured in the first half, seemingly

Buttlerfingers said he would have batted if he had to, but running would have been difficult

[Arthur Crabtree]

Maybe not fit for the next game then

[alfie]

Well Malan was injured and certainly would have struggled to run singles so no question he had to be held back and only used in desperation. But it was an unconvincing display from England after a fine opening power play by Hales and Buttler which brought the target in to seemingly easy reach. Some very poor choices of shot , and if it hadn't been for Stokes and his very smart cricket brain I think they might have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. If they have to chase in the finals it is going to need a big improvement from several of the batsmen.

Pleased though that the bowlers (particularly Rashid and Curran) were able to bring things back under control after Sri Lanka got away to a rocket start. Wood too - first over was a nightmare but he did a fine job at the death. Less worried about that aspect of their game - they have as much variety and options as any ; and the fielding to back it up.

Just that wobbly batting...

[Arthur Crabtree]

Jordan/Mills/Salt/Willey can come in. Only one batting option. Unless Malan is injured in which case there are reserves.

Liam Dawson, Richard Gleeson, Luke Wood. So more bowlers!

[alfie]

Jordan/Mills/Salt/Willey can come in. Only one batting option. Unless Malan is injured in which case there are reserves.

Liam Dawson, Richard Gleeson, Luke Wood. So more bowlers!

Didn't look good for Malan so I reckon Salt will have to play in Adelaide. Unless they want to go bowler - heavy : and they already have seven of them ! Technically could fly in a batting reserve but seems impractical at this late stage - though I am sure the Internet will be ablaze with calls for Duckett

[Durhamfootman]

Sam C is currently England's highest wicket taker on 10, ahead of Woody on 9. Of the bowlers who came straight in at the super 12 stage, no-one has more and only Nortje has as many. Yet if Topley hadn't injured himself, Curran may not have played at all

[Arthur Crabtree]

Might be Woakes missed out.

Surprised Jordan isn't in.

[Durhamfootman]

I've assumed that Curran picked up the leftie slot vacated by Toppers

[Arthur Crabtree]

I think England have played multiple left armers on occasion over the last couple of years. Willey and Topley were picked together. Though these might have been series when second string squads were sent out.

[bigfluffylemon]

Well, a win is a win, you could argue it doesn't matter how as long as you get there. But that was far harder than it needed to be, as it always is with England in tournaments.

Final four of a T20 tournament anything can happen, and England did beat NZ so they do have the ability when it comes together. But I'm not sure how the batting has gone from formidable to flaky.

Oh, and of course Makan is injured. He's in my fantasy team.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Oh, and of course Malan is injured.

Wonder if Bairstow is fit...

[Arthur Crabtree]

Buttler and Hales have scored runs recently, which is a positive.

[Durhamfootman]

But I'm not sure how the batting has gone from formidable to flaky.

Wonder if Bairstow is fit...

well, yes. That's it right there, I think

[bigfluffylemon]

Not just Bairstow though. Morgan retired, Roy and Malan both desperately out of nick. Billings was solid for a while but isn't around.

Surely Salt has to play?

[bigfluffylemon]

Netherlands beat South Africa to knock them out

Didn't see that coming.

Calling it now: Pakistan are going to win this tournament. Whenever they seem down and out in the group stage and get the exact series of results they need to sneak into the last 4, they always seem to then string together two good performances in the knockout to take the trophy.