SALT AND PEPPERED

Explosive Phil eyes World Cup slot

CRACKING the safe at Fort Knox might be easier than breaking into England’s ODI World Cup-winning side at the moment.

But explosive opener Phil Salt is hoping he has the tools to do just that between now and their 50-overs title defence in India next year.

Salt was in scintillating form in England’s record-breaking ODI opener against Holland on Friday after hitting a maiden century.

And while he acknowledges even getting his foot in the door will not be easy, Salt is determined to “give the selectors a headache” as they look to fine-tune the squad over the next 12 months.

“I know I certainly want to give them a headache,” he said.

“I don’t know if I can, to be honest. You know, they are world champions and such a strong XI with a full-strength side out.

“But hopefully if I can keep doing stuff like that and keep putting my name in the hat, I will give the selectors a headache.”

Power

The “stuff like that” Salt was referring to was an impressive 122 from 93 balls on Friday in a knock with three sixes and 14 fours.

Yet it was not a surprise given the 25-year-old has already demonstrated similar power in his six outings in ODIS and T20s. He hit 60 in the second of three 50over outings against Pakistan last summer and blitzed a 24-ball 57 batting at six against West Indies in the shorter format in January.

Such versatility could be Salt’s strongest suit with him providing back-up not only to the openers but also the middle order of Liam Livingstone and Ben Stokes.

And his explosive style certainly seems to be nearer what England want going forward than James Vince or Sam Billings, two players who he looks to have edged out.

It could also be possible captain Eoin Morgan may not be around to take this side to India in 16 months’ time which would free up a middle-order slot.

Either way, Salt is taking nothing for granted and is determined to stay on the front foot.

He added: “When I get the opportunity, I’ve got to do well.

“That’s how it’s going to work if you want to have a long England career.

“Some good batters were left out of this squad so to be on this trip, I’m very grateful for that. Hopefully I can keep performing and proving them right.”