He missed the semi-finals but had cleared all fitness tests a day before the showpiece match.However, the decision was taken not to put Dawid Malan and fast bowler Mark Wood at risk. “We all have a tough time in our careers. “Not being able to play the final was probably one of my toughest days as a cricketer so far. That’s how the game is – it’s cruel sometimes.
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“Obviously, this decision was taken not to put Woody and me at risk, even though we did what was necessary. I had a few tears that night, you never know how many World Cup finals you’re going to be part of.
“If you are not fit and don’t perform as needed, it can be easier to pass a fitness test and still be in a position where you are still at risk and yet you can frustrate the team while chasing the ball on the second day of the match.
“Mark and I had a two-minute conversation. We were both surprised and then said it’s not about us anymore, it’s about what the team needs. It’s in the past. We have won the World Cup, that’s what matters.
After proving his fitness, Malan bounced back and scored a brilliant century as England lost the first match of the three-match one-day international series against Australia by six wickets.
“To be fit and perform like me, is extremely satisfying after last week’s disappointment – after the disappointment but also the huge excitement and excitement of winning that World Cup.
“There’s a lot of cricket coming up right now and I have a lot to play in my career. I still want to include myself in this team and still play in the next T20 World Cup.