Tuesday 1 August 2017 22:43, UK
David Lloyd believes that Dawid Malan could force his way into the England Test side after starring on his international debut.
The Middlesex left-hander hit a brilliant 78 from 44 balls as England beat South Africa by 19 runs to win the three-match T20I series 2-1.
Given the confidence Malan showed at the crease and the fact he is an experienced campaigner in county cricket, Bumble suggested that he may come into consideration ahead of the forthcoming Test series.
"He might play in the Test matches. He's 29 years of age, he knows his game, he scores runs for fun for Middlesex. He might be a flyer," the former England coach told Sky Sports. "I think he might be talked about."
Malan was one of four players handed debuts across the series as England opted to rest Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Adil Rashid - captain Eoin Morgan even opted to sit out the series decider to allow others an opportunity to prove their worth.
While the decision to play so many inexperienced players for a crucial game in the series raised a few eyebrows, Bumble says the performances and the result have justified England's decision.
"The younger players have come through in the series, from both sides really," he added. "It's been so entertaining! I mentioned on commentary the individual skills of the players, they've expressed themselves.
"You get mistakes as well but I think it's been an excellent series and England have shaded it.
"It's worth a comment that the big players are resting but it gives a great opportunity to young players to come in. They find out about these players, in particular Tom Curran, Mason Crane, Malan - they've been outstanding.
"Chris Jordan, as a more experienced player, comes in and does the job. It's been a good exercise but the bottom line is: win. They've done that, 2-1."
Another newcomer who came to the fore across the series was leg-spinner Mason Crane.
After a solid display on his debut, he was put under real pressure by South Africa captain AB de Villiers, who hit him for a four and two sixes early in his third over, only for the 20-year-old to hit back and pick up his wicket with the final ball of the over.
A wild celebration followed and asked what the exchange revealed about Crane, Bumble said: "Character. Do you want to be there? And he obviously does. That's one for a leg-spinner, he's caught in a leg trap and it's a terrific catch from Alex Hales."
Brendon McCullum was equally effusive in his praise of Crane and the manner in which he responded to the onslaught from De Villiers.
"It certainly does show some ticker," said the ex-New Zealand captain. "It's quite amazing and you can see the delight in his face, how much it meant to him just to bowl against De Villiers and get into a contest against a guy of his class.
"It's one of the great TV of the summer as well, seeing a guy - one of the best in the world - trying to put a youngster under pressure and then to see him come back and step up like that, hold your nerve and get to the dismissal - the pictures are absolutely amazing.
"Well done, it's fantastic and it is great to see how much the game means to cricketers."
