Dawid Malan is forced off with a groin strain against Sri Lanka

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

Chris Woakes hit the winning runs as England made heavy work of chasing down Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 141, as captain Jos Buttler opted not to risk Malan following his injury in the field.

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.

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

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 for the remainder of the tournament and replaced by spare batsman Philip Salt in the semi-finals.

Ben Stokes came in at three after Sri Lanka dismissed Buttler in the seventh over, crucially sticking around until the end with an undefeated knock of 42.

During the interval, former England Test captain and pundit Nasser Hussain advised Buttler to move Stokes up the order as a result of Malan’s injury, insisting he was a reliable player in big matches.

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.’