Phil Salt confident of a strong showing in a new England white-ball opportunity

Phil Salt is hoping to grab the opportunity with both hands, after being the likely replacement to Ben Stokes, who recently announced his ODI retirement. 

Although Salt is a regular opener for Lancashire, he can be slotted in the middle-order in the second fixture of the ongoing ODI series against South Africa. 

However, last month, the 25-year-old emerged as the top scorer for the Three Lions with 248 runs in three innings against the Netherlands as an opener. 

And, in a recent interview with Sky Sports, Salt expressed his excitement to share a dressing room with a full-strength ODI squad. He hoped to prove himself, after being sidelined for the past few years, due to the already strong batting unit of the English white-ball team. 

“It's very obvious that whenever you get an opportunity to play for England you have to take it with both hands,” said Salt. 

"It's my first chance being around it with a full-strength squad and being in the conversation for being in the XI so that's exciting. I have been on the fringes for a while so I want to get in there and show what I can do.

"Netherlands, West Indies, Pakistan - I have proven to people and myself that I can do it.”

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Roy-Bairstow have set a template for England hopefuls: Salt

The Lancashire batter thinks Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow have created a legacy with their opening stands in international cricket. Salt added that the players batting at the top are trying to emulate them and give their best shot for national selection. 

It is evident that Roy and Bairstow were the key cornerstones for the England team in securing the title victory in the 2019 edition of the ODI World Cup. 

“[Roy and Bairstow] are the best opening partnership in 50-over cricket, there is no doubt about that,” said Salt. 

"A lot of people in international cricket want to copy them and follow how they play. They set the template for how you are going to have to play if you want to play for England.”

England will meet South Africa in the second match of the bilateral ODI series on 22 July at Old Trafford, Manchester. It will be interesting to see if Phil Salt can continue his rich vein form if given an opportunity. 

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