The Three Lions are touring West Indies for a white-ball tour where the three-match ODI series stand levelled at 1-1 with the final ODI set to be played on Wednesday, November 6 at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. After the completion of the ODI series, the team will lock horns in a five-match T20I series with Jos Buttler returning into the side.
Despite Buttler’s return, it was confirmed that Phil Salt will keep the wickets for England against West Indies. Speaking ahead of the third ODI, Salt stated that he hasn’t done much keeping for the national side, but is happy to do when offered.
Phil Salt to keep wickets in T20I series vs WI
It is to be noted that Salt has kept wickets in 13 of his 59 games for England across formats and has been keeping the gloves in the ongoing ODI series ahead of Jordan Cox. Speaking ahead of the third ODI, Salt said, “It’s not something I’ve done a lot for England recently. But I enjoy keeping. I feel like that’s where I offer most to the side.”
Moreover, it is to be seen that Buttler has been out for several months with a calf strain. However, he joined the squad in Barbados on Monday, November 4 and will make his first appearance in the national side since England’s exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Earlier in September, Buttler had said that he would give up keeping and focus on leading the side. “I was going to give up the gloves and commit to being at mid-off and see how that felt. If it will help me with my captaincy it is something I am open to,” he quoted.
England’s limited-over squad for West Indies series
Jos Buttler (C), Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, Jafer Cholan, Sam Curran, Jordan Cox, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Saqib Mahmood, Dan Mousley, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, John Turner, Rehan Ahmed