Salt’s Experience as Wicketkeeper
Salt has limited experience keeping wicket for England, having done so in 13 out of his 59 matches across different formats. However, he feels it’s a role where he can make a strong impact. “I enjoy keeping. I feel like that’s where I offer the most to the side,” Salt shared during a recent interview in Barbados.
In this ODI series against the West Indies, Salt was preferred as the wicketkeeper over Jordan Cox, while Cox will step in for Test keeper Jamie Smith in the upcoming New Zealand series.
Buttler’s Return, But With a Twist
Jos Buttler, England’s white-ball captain, has been away due to a calf injury but will return for the T20Is against the West Indies. He initially planned to step back from wicketkeeping duties to focus on captaining from different positions, such as mid-off. However, Buttler’s role in the series will now be limited to captaincy, allowing Salt to continue as the keeper.
Salt’s Recent ODI Performance
Phil Salt made scores of 18 and 59 in the recent ODIs, with his half-century playing a vital role in England’s chase of 329 in the second game. Despite some struggles in the ODI format, with an average of 24.30 in his last ten games, Salt is keen to improve by building longer innings and extending partnerships.
He acknowledged that one challenge has been staying at the crease beyond the powerplay. His recent half-century in Antigua was his first time batting past the tenth over in an ODI since June 2022.
Salt’s Thoughts on the 50-Over Format
With limited opportunities to play 50-over cricket due to scheduling, many of England’s players find it challenging to adapt to the longer format. “We’ve not played much 50-over cricket, so it’s tough to get into a rhythm,” Salt explained, expressing a desire for more domestic 50-over competitions to help players adjust better.
Key Points to Watch in the Series
- Phil Salt as Keeper: Salt steps in as the wicketkeeper for the T20 series, giving England a fresh setup behind the stumps.
- Jos Buttler’s Leadership: Returning from injury, Buttler will lead England from the field rather than as wicketkeeper.
- ODI Adaptation: Salt continues to refine his approach to 50-over cricket, aiming to balance aggression with partnership-building.
England’s T20 series against the West Indies promises to be an exciting one, with Phil Salt aiming to build on his recent ODI form and solidify his role as a versatile player for England.