Salt spices up debate of who opens at the T20 World Cup

England batter's explosive hitting is making him undroppable in the shortest format despite the claims of 20-over rivals Duckett and Smith, writes Taha Hashim

- Taha Hashim

Phil Salt 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 in between. “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 on 100 in the powerplay against South Africa and 74 inside five overs, prompting further discussion in the ongoing selection debate: who should open at this winter’s T20 World Cup?