Dawid Malan could be forgiven for having other things on his mind when he went out to bat during the Hobart Ashes Test, as he became a father for the first time.
Malan’s wife Claire was expecting to have her hubby by her side for the birth, but baby daughter Summer Skye arrived six weeks early much to everyone’s surprise.
The news that Claire had gone into labour filtered through to the 34-year-old just before he was due to bat and the birth was underway while he was busy making 25 in the first innings.
After England had been bowled out cheaply and were back in the field in the evening, Malan was off in a side room to the dressing room in constant contact with what was going on back at home.
Claire posted a picture on Instagram of Summer Skye’s feet saying: "Our baby girl gave us a huge shock arriving six weeks early yesterday. There are no words to explain the love."
Malan had spent much of the tour worrying about how his wife was getting on without him during the latter stages of the pregnancy, but is delighted at becoming a father.
Malan said: “So many unbelievably good emotions but so tough missing such a special day! Incredibly proud of Claire for getting through it all alone.”
Malan has been on tour since September due to his involvement in the T20 World Cup and his wife's pregnancy meant that, unlike the majority of his teammates, he could not spend Christmas with his family.
