ENG vs IND | 'It will be a big loss if he doesn't play'- Dawid Malan on Rohit Sharma's absence in 5th Test

England middle-order batter Dawid Malan stated that the absence of veteran batter Rohit Sharma could prove to be a huge miss for the Indian team. The Indian captain is currently isolated in Leicestershire after getting affected by the COVID-19.

Speaking to a select group of reporters before the rescheduled fifth Test, Dawid Malan said: "Whenever you lose your leader, who's also one of your best batters, it's incredibly tough for your team. It will be a big loss if he doesn't play, but only time will tell how big a loss that could be."

Malan talks about India’s bench strength

However, Malan also believes that the Indian bench strength is strong enough to fill the void left by Sharma's absence. 

The 34-year-old shared: "Still, there are some very experienced cricketers in the Indian team and very good batters that are on the sidelines. And they could all fill in for Rohit."

Team India have roped in Mayank Agarwal as cover for Sharma. However, with KL Rahul also unavailable due to injury, the visitors are stretched thin in terms of options at the top of the order.

Meanwhile, England have made headlines after their series win against New Zealand, where they played in an unabashed and aggressive fashion under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. They are high on confidence after a 3-0 series sweep of New Zealand at home, where they also managed three successive run chases with ease.

He gives an insight about England’s aggressive approach

While talking about their aggressive manner envisioned by their captain and coach, Dawid Malan said: "Birmingham, historically, has been a really good wicket. The ball turns as the game goes on. But England will still try to play in exactly the same way, though India obviously have some fantastic bowlers. 

I think the whole of English cricket would want Stokes and Co. to keep playing that way. So hopefully, they can still continue to impress as they have been and push those limits."

Team India will play against England in the rescheduled fifth Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, starting tomorrow (July 1). The visitors are currently having a 2-1 lead in the series, courtesy of their wins last year as well.