England have successfully clean-swept (3-0) the visiting West Indies in the ODI series. As the focus now shifts to the T20Is, England will face West Indies in a 3-match T20I series starting June 6th.
Phil Salt to Miss West Indies T20Is on Paternity Leave
A major development in the T20I squad is the absence of wicket-keeper batter Phil Salt, who has been granted paternity leave following the birth of his child. The IPL winner will miss all three T20Is, and either Tom Banton or Jamie Smith is in line to replace him in the playing XI.
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Missing Phil Salt against a team like West Indies is a big blow for England. He was in stellar form during IPL 2025, opening alongside Virat Kohli and scoring 403 runs at an average of 33.08, with a strike rate over 175 making him RCB’s second-highest run-scorer after Kohli.
Also read: Cheteshwar Pujara lauds Virat Kohli's ability to always evolve after RCB lift maiden IPL trophy
Phil Salt, who did not keep wickets this season and instead fielded in the outfield, took several brilliant catches. His stunning grab to dismiss Priyansh Arya in the IPL 2025 final was one of the turning points that helped swing the momentum back in RCB’s favour.
England Eye Clean Sweep as Rehan, Buttler Step Up
In Salt’s absence, Jos Buttler is expected to take over the gloves. He too had a strong IPL 2025 season with Gujarat Titans, scoring 538 runs in 14 matches at an average of 59.78. Buttler will be looking to carry that form into this T20I series.
Rehan Ahmed, who is enjoying a brilliant run in the NatWest T20 Blast, is expected to feature in all three matches either replacing or partnering Adil Rashid, depending on conditions and team strategy.
Also Read: Vaibhav Suryavanshi's big promise wants to take Rajasthan Royals into IPL finals next year
England will be aiming for another clean sweep, but the West Indies, strong in the T20 format, could very well spring a surprise on the Three Lions in this much-anticipated series.
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England Squad
Harry Brook(c), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton(wk), Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Jamie Smith, Luke Wood
Also Read: All You Need to Know About West Indies Tour of England
