Phil Salt pointed to the difference in mindset between a bilateral series and tournament play but was quick to add that they were “possibly a bit too tentative”
England opener Phil Salt against West Indies at Wankhede on Wednesday. PIC/GETTY IMAGES
Having been given a scare by lowly Nepal, who were stopped just four short of their total, and then losing to the West Indies three days later, England are in a spot of bother as they try to quickly shed the Wankhede woes and brace themselves for a tricky tryst with Scotland at the Eden Gardens on Saturday. An ‘upset’ by their northern neighbours and arch-rivals could see the two-time champions perilously close to the exit door of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Skipper Harry Brook had spoken of the batsmen becoming “too careful” against the West Indians and thereby squandering momentum. Phil Salt pointed to the difference in mindset between a bilateral series and tournament play but was quick to add that they were “possibly a bit too tentative.”
“When your back is against the wall, you have to bring the best version of yourself. We did that in 2022, and we'll look to do that again here,” said Salt, alluding to England’s come-from-behind title triumph in Australia.
For both England openers, the Eden has been a happy hunting ground, Salt leading Kolkata Knight Riders’s charge to their third title in 2024 with some blistering batting, while Jos Buttler is best remembered here for his unbeaten century in a record chase by Rajasthan Royals against the Knights that same season.
Describing it as essentially “a new-ball wicket”, Salt stressed on the importance of the power-play, and hoped to not just get a good start but continue to keep the momentum. “It’s a different venue, different conditions,” he pointed out, trying to brush away the struggles of their previous matches.
England are aware that their opponents will see their chances. “With that being said, it's another game of cricket; we've got to bring the best version of ourselves. It’s really simple.”
Scotland see England coming out with all guns firing. “They are a very good side, but we have to just ensure we play well, and things will hopefully fall into place. Maybe we’ll see a 2-0 for us and it’ll be a great day for Scottish sport,” quipped Brad Wheal, Scotland’s pacer.
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