England has faced a sudden challenge ahead of their T20 and ODI series against Australia. Their regular captain, Jos Buttler, will miss the T20 series due to a calf injury, and it’s uncertain if he will play in the ODI series as well. Buttler has been sidelined since the T20 World Cup, and while there was hope he would return in time for the matches against Australia, his injury has not healed yet.
In his place, Phil Salt has been named the captain for the T20 series. Salt, who had a fantastic IPL 2024 season, scoring 435 runs for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is set to lead England for the first time.
Phil Salt’s First Opportunity as Captain
Phil Salt will take charge of the England team for the three-match T20 series starting in Southampton on September 11. This is his first time leading the national side, and he has been in great form this year. Salt’s impressive performance in the IPL 2024, where he was one of KKR’s top performers, helped him earn this opportunity. His consistency with the bat for England in recent matches has also been crucial in him securing this leadership role.
If Buttler is unable to recover in time for the ODI series, England may hand over the captaincy of the 50-over team to Harry Brook.
England vs Australia Series Schedule
The T20 series between England and Australia begins on September 11 in Southampton. The second match will take place on September 13 in Cardiff, and the third and final T20 will be held in Manchester on September 15.
Following the T20 series, the five-match ODI series kicks off on September 19 in Nottingham. The second ODI will be in Leeds on September 21, followed by the third in Chester-le-Street on September 24. The fourth match is at Lord’s on September 27, with the final match scheduled in Bristol on September 29.
