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England cricketer Phil Salt, who has been making waves with his outstanding performances for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, recently shared insights into his journey from IPL success to national recognition.
Phil Salt’s remarkable journey to England’s T20 World Cup squad
Following his exceptional form in the IPL, where he amassed 435 runs in 12 matches at an impressive strike rate of 182.01, Salt was rewarded with a spot in the English squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. The announcement marked a significant milestone in Salt’s career, prompting an overwhelming flood of congratulatory messages on his phone.
“That was my first experience at being flooded with messages on my phone. I’m generally not someone who uses the phone a lot, but it was an incredible experience. My phone was blowing up with messages congratulating me, and it was great,” Salt expressed in the Knights Dugout podcast.
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Facing the fury: Salt reveals the speedster that left him bewildered
Amidst his success, Salt also reflected on the challenges he faced, particularly when encountering the fastest bowler he has ever faced. The England cricketer unequivocally named his compatriot and teammate, Jofra Archer, as the speedster who left him in awe.
Recalling his experiences facing Archer in the nets, Salt admitted to being at the receiving end of Archer’s blistering pace and lethal bouncers.
“I think Jofra is the fastest I have faced in the nets and that too from 18 yards. He bowls it at that pace from 18 yards with three bouncers in an over. It’s good because it helps sharpen the reflexes but there have been times when he’s hit me right before the match day and then all hell has broken loose,” Salt revealed.
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Fast bowler’s return adds firepower
Archer, who has been sidelined due to an elbow injury, is set to make a comeback to the England squad. His last international appearance dates back over a year ago during England’s tour to Bangladesh in March 2023. Archer’s return adds significant firepower to England’s pace attack, setting the stage for an intense battle in the T20 World Cup.
