England Opener Phil Salt Misses West Indies T20s on Paternity Leave

England opener Phil Salt will miss the upcoming three-match T20I series against the West Indies as he takes paternity leave following the birth of his child. Salt, who recently flew back to India to play a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL 2025 final victory, has been granted permission to spend time at home. Jamie Smith has been called up to replace Salt in the England squad, though Smith may not feature in the first match, with Tom Banton or Will Jacks likely to open the batting alongside Ben Duckett. The Vitality IT20 series begins in Durham, followed by matches in Bristol and Southampton. Salt's absence comes after he was dropped from England's ODI squad earlier in the year due to form issues. England's squad also includes players such as Jos Buttler, Harry Brook (captain), and Jacob Bethell, who has IPL experience.