Dawid Malan made a striking entry into international cricket in a Twenty20 international in Cardiff in 2017, demolishing South Africa’s attack with 78 from 44 balls – the highest T20 innings by an England debutant. From the time he deposited the second ball, from Chris Morris, over mid-wicket for six, he never looked back.

Malan had put himself on the verge of an England call-up with a record-breaking performance for England Lions against Sri Lanka A in Northampton in 2016. Malan, the Lions’ captain and elder statesman, struck an unbeaten 185 from 126 balls – a record for the Lions or England A in List A cricket, beating 168 by Ravi Bopara against West Indies A in Worcester in 2010.