In an emphatic display of skill and prowess, England’s Phil Salt sent a thunderous statement across the cricketing world on December 19, a date which, paradoxically, began with a personal setback. Earlier in the day, during the high-stakes drama of the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, the dynamic opener found himself without a bidder. Yet as the sun set, Salt’s fortunes took a dramatic turn when he walked out to bat against the West Indies in the fourth T20 International.
Salt unleashed an awe-inspiring batting masterclass, racking up a spectacular 119-run score off just 57 balls. His innings, studded with seven boundaries and an incredible 10 sixes, charged England to a towering total of 267—setting yet another record in the process. His immense contribution didn’t just settle scores on the field, it also placed him in an elite club, making him only the third cricketer to notch consecutive centuries in the shortest format of the game.
The day’s earlier events certainly seemed to weigh on Salt, who, reflecting on the IPL auction outcome, admitted to feeling ‘confused.’ He manifested these complex emotions with a clear determination, stating after the match, “It was a confusing morning. I expected to be picked up, having gone there last year and done well and after the year that I’ve had, but these things happen.”
His previous season’s stint with Delhi Capitals was notable, where he was snagged for INR 2 crore and delivered a robust performance – 218 runs in nine matches with a high strike-rate of 163.91. Despite lowering his base price to INR 1.5 crore this year, his IPL dreams were dashed as he found himself overlooked. This disappointment did not cloud his acknowledgement of the auction’s inherent unpredictability or his happiness for his teammates who were signed, such as Chris Woakes, Harry Brook, and Gus Atkinson.
“It’s part of the lottery of an auction, it happens in draft processes as well. There’s a few lads in our dressing room who are going to have a very good Christmas and I’m over the moon for them,” Salt expressed, demonstrating solidarity with his fellow players.
In light of the day’s emotional rollercoaster, Salt’s explosive performance seemed partly fueled by his desire to prove his mettle after the auction snub – a drive he admitted may have been working subconsciously. Despite this personal setback, he remained aware of his good fortune in being involved in the game he loves, saying, “I’m very aware of how lucky I am to be here playing cricket. I’m playing good cricket, I’m doing what I came out here to do.”
Nevertheless, Salt’s primary focus remained on the team and its success against a formidable opponent. The centuries were just a component of a more significant narrative, showcasing the cohesive strength and talent of the England squad.
“The boys have really pulled together and shown what a good team we are. The West Indies are a very good side that we’re playing against so to win back-to-back games and force the decider in a couple of days’ time, I’m chuffed,” he elaborated, pointing out the squad’s resilient comeback in the series.
Phil Salt’s story from December 19 is a tale of remarkable highs and lows—a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports. From the disenchantment of the IPL auction to the heights of a record-shattering inning, Salt’s day encapsulated the full spectrum of an athlete’s emotional journey. Through it all, he remained a figure of professional integrity and explosive talent, determined to showcase his capabilities on the global stage, IPL contract or not.
