Dawid Malan surprised England didn't send in nightwatchman after Joe Root wicket

Dismissed: Jonny Bairstow was out in the final over of the day
AFP/Getty Images
Tom Collomosse4 January 2018

Dawid Malan admitted he was surprised to see Jonny Bairstow join him at the crease after England’s poor tactics handed Australia the initiative.

When Joe Root was out for 83 in the penultimate over of the day, Malan expected nightwatchman Mason Crane to join him, with only a handful of deliveries remaining before the close and the second new ball only just taken.

But Bairstow decided to face Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood himself and was caught behind off Hazlewood in the final over of the day, leaving England 233 for five after winning the toss. Malan is 55 not out.

Asked if he had been taken aback by Bairstow’s call, Malan said: “I was a little bit, but the decisions are not for the coaches to make. Jonny made that decision and good on him.

“He probably felt he was better suited for the new ball. Some people like a nightwatchman and some don’t. It takes a lot of guts to go against what people normally do.”

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