England batter Phil Salt became the first player to register three T20I centuries against a single team. He achieved the feat during his sensational knock in the first fixture of the five-match T20I against West Indies on Saturday (November 10) in Barbados.
Batting first, the Caribbean team didn’t get off to a good start, losing three wickets in the powerplay overs. However, Nicholas Pooran (38) held one end and impressed with his ball-striking.
With the collapse of the middle-order, the hosts were starting at a respectable total. However, Andre Russell (30) and Romario Shepherd (35*) brought the team into the contest. Then, Gudakesh Motie (33* off 14) provided a fine flourish as West Indies posted a staggering total of 182. Saqib Mahmood scalped four wickets for the visitors, while Adil Rashid claimed three.
In response, Salt and Jacks provided a strong start to the England side. In particular, Salt took 24 runs out of inexperienced Shamar Joseph by using his pace to send the balls all around the park. Nevertheless, Motie bowled Jacks (17) and Romario Shepherd got Jos Buttler out for a golden duck. Interestingly, Motie plucked a one-handed stunner to get rid of Buttler.
However, Phil Salt continued his explosive approach and steered the team on a handsome note. He got support from youngster Jacob Bethell, who accumulated consistent boundaries.
The duo went on to stitch an unbeaten 107-run stand and chased down the score under 17 overs. Salt (103* off 54) and Bethell (58* off 36) played heroic knocks to help England go 1-0 up in the series.
Earlier, Salt’s two T20I centuries against West Indies in December 2023. He scored back-to-back centuries to help England level the T20I series 2-2, after they lost the first two games. However, the Caribbean team managed to win the final game and the series.
Phil Salt feels happy to play in West Indies
In his post-match interview, Phil Salt expressed his happiness in contributing for the team and continuing his blistering record in West Indies. The last T20I series in 2023 witnessed him slam 331 runs in five innings and emerge as the top-scorer. It will be interesting to see whether he achieves a similar achievement this time.
Moreover, Salt also appreciated Jacob Bethell’s knock, which also played a key role in helping the side to secure a 1-0 lead.
“I’m not sure to be honest, it is the place I’m probably the happiest. Grown up on these surfaces. Really enjoyed playing 50 over cricket but you have to adjust quickly. Need to be really specific in training. (On his off side play) I have tried a few things, opening up my grip to access different parts of the ground. (On Bethell) He is a huge talent, he doesn’t seem like a 21-year old lad. He feels like a guy who’s already played a 100 games, lovely feather to have in our cap.”
England and West Indies will meet for the second T20I on Monday (November 11).
