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Phil Salt’s opening remarks in his post-match press conference were a slight surprise. He had just hit 89 to win England’s series opener against Ireland, following on from his unbeaten 141 last Friday. But his mind was still on the missed opportunity inbetween. “I was quite disappointed at Trent Bridge to not get out there and have a chance to win a series against South Africa,” he said.
Rain ruined that decider on Sunday, denying a man who had found form – three consecutive single-figure scores preceded his hundred – and wanted more. Yet the rhythm remained at Malahide. Salt combined for another heavy-metal stand with Jos Buttler against an understrength Irish attack. They put up 100 in the powerplay against South Africa and 74 inside five overs on Wednesday, prompting further discussion in the ongoing selection debate: who should open at this winter’s T20 World Cup?
England began their 20-over summer with Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith against West Indies in June, with Buttler at No 3 while Salt was on paternity leave. With Salt having lost his place to Smith in the one-day international team, it was a chance for England’s Test keeper to prove himself as a three-format starter.
The Duckett-Smith pairing makes sense. There’s the wild height difference, the left and right, constant adjustments required by the bowlers, echoing the way Duckett perfectly complements Zak Crawley against the red ball. Smith can launch straight against the quicks, Duckett is there for his scoops and a sweepathon. They proved it against West Indies with a stand of 120 that took England to 248 for three at Southampton, their highest T20 total at home until last week.
But England’s schedule does not let anyone settle. Duckett and Smith, present for the 25-day Test series against India, were rested for the T20s against South Africa, the former clearly needing a break after a scratchy run through the Hundred into the ODIs. That prompted the return of the reliable Salt-Buttler combination, one used previously by England, Lancashire and Manchester Originals.
Their case to open together at the World Cup, in India and Sri Lanka, has serious weight. There are the numbers: 18 innings together have produced more runs than any other opening pair for England in this format, their average a healthy 61.23. There is the obvious chemistry, too: two right-handers who exude calm vibes right until the ball is released. Then comes the venom of their swing, and a bump of fists like two nightclub bouncers after denying someone entry. Unlike Duckett and Smith, they won’t enter the big tournament in February after a five-Test slog against Australia.
More relevant than Salt’s recent England form is the impression he has made in the Indian Premier League, playing a significant role in back-to-back title wins with two different teams – last year at Kolkata Knight Riders, this year at Royal Challengers Bengaluru alongside Virat Kohli. Having failed to turn hyper-aggressive starts into substantial scores in ODIs, he is, well, turning hyper-aggressive starts into substantial scores in the shorter form. Eleven more runs on Wednesday would have brought him his fifth T20 international hundred in his 46th match, taking him to the top of the list alongside Glenn Maxwell and Rohit Sharma. Those two have played plenty more.
“He’s improved year on year, and his consistency as well,” said Buttler, speaking about his partner after the win over Ireland. “He was someone who was so explosive, but now being able to bat long as well is great.”
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Buttler remains unfussed about where he operates himself. “To be honest, I think I’m at that stage where I don’t really mind too much. I’m quite happy to sort of bat anywhere. I’ve batted in those positions quite a bit now, so a change is quite refreshing sometimes. Having been at No 3 for a little bit and in the Hundred being No 3, then to open again, I quite like those little subtle changes and it just sort of gives you that something new each time. It’s been good fun.”
He has the flexibility to drop down the order, as does Duckett, while Smith may have to slide out altogether – as things stand. Salt is busy making himself undroppable.
