England batsman Dawid Malan keen to earn Ashes call
Tuesday 5 September 2017 11:44, UK
England batsman Dawid Malan admits he would love to be selected for this winter’s Ashes tour but is keen to focus on just getting runs in the current Investec Test series against West Indies.
The Middlesex player struggled for runs in his Test debut in the 239-run victory over South Africa at The Oval and the 177-run win over the Proteas at Old Trafford.
But the 29-year-old has found form against the Windies, scoring half-centuries in two of his three innings against Jason Holder's side.
"It would mean everything," Malan told Sky Sports News when asked about the possibility of playing against Australia.
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"I am trying not to look that far ahead but you know the history of English cricket with Australia, especially with the tour down under, so it would be fantastic to get some more runs during this Investec Test and to get on the plane.
"It's been a fantastic experience. I've been watching these guys on TV for a few years now and it's great to suddenly be part of this.
"To get some runs has obviously helped my cause a little bit.
"The pace is obviously a bit different, you don't get bowlers in county cricket as fast and you probably get less bad balls in Test cricket. You have to be a lot more disciplined.
"It's an exciting time for me to be involved and show what I can do."
The third and final Test against Windies gets underway at Lord's on Thursday - live on Sky Sports - with the series finely balanced at 1-1 after the tourists pulled off a stunning five-wicket victory at Headingley.
"Obviously it was a little bit disappointing to lose that game but it keeps the Investec Test series alive," added Malan.
"You never really underestimate anyone in cricket, it's a strange game. As soon as you get ahead of yourself, cricket comes back to bite you.
"All credit goes to the West Indies, I thought they played fantastically well and they deserved that win, the way they played.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for us to come to Lord's and win the series."
Watch the third Test between England v West Indies at Lord's. Coverage begins on Sky Sports Cricket and Main Event at 10am on Thursday.
