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'Last Game for England..,' Dawid Malan Hints at International Retirement After Pakistan Game

image-losswmdxDawid Malan is the highest run-getter for England in the World Cup 2023. (X.com)

In a surprising revelation, England opener Dawid Malan hinted that the 44th match of the ongoing World Cup 2023 against Pakistan in Kolkata might mark the conclusion of his international cricket journey with the England team. 

As age becomes a factor and calls for a complete revamp of England's ODI side intensify following a disappointing run in the 2023 World Cup, Malan suggested that the game against Pakistan on Saturday could potentially be his farewell.

Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata, Malan acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future, stating, "

I don't know what my future holds, whether that will be my choice or the team's choice. Tomorrow could be the last game of cricket for England for me, and it could still be the start of another journey. Who knows? We'll only find out when the dust settles."

Having made his international debut at the age of 29, Malan emerged as a late bloomer and became England's standout white-ball cricketer. He held the No. 1 T20I ranking for a significant period and excelled in the ODI format, earning him preference over Jason Roy. However, as the realities of aging set in, Malan is cognizant that decisions about his future may no longer rest solely in his hands.

Expressing his desire to continue playing for England, Malan affirmed, 

"Playing for England means everything for me. I've made no secret of that; I've always wanted to be part of this team and play for England for as long as I can." 

However, he acknowledged the need to look ahead and consider what might be best for the team and other factors. 

"I guess there are decisions to be made over the next couple of days when the dust has settled, and yeah, we'll see where we end up," he added.

Despite Malan's commendable individual performance in the World Cup campaign, amassing 373 runs in eight games, the 36-year-old is uncertain about his future with the national team. 

Rob Key, the managing director of England's men's cricket, is currently in Kolkata and will engage in discussions with the team management regarding the future of the white-ball team and senior players like Malan after the end of tomorrow's game. 

Key will be tasked to pick squads for the upcoming white-ball tour of West Indies, featuring three ODIs and five T20Is, adding an extra layer of anticipation to whether Malan will be included in that tour or not. 

The next steps in Malan's cricketing journey with England remain shrouded in uncertainty, awaiting decisions from both the player and the team management.