Since wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Butler will not be able to serve the national side for the West Indies tour, England has decided to “spice up” their batting lineup, pairing opener Phil Salt and Essex batsman Michael Pepper for the upcoming one-day international (ODI) series in the Caribbean.
With Jos Buttler sidelined due to a persistent calf injury, the stage is set for a potential “Salt and Pepper” combination at the top of the order, promising to add some much-needed “seasoning” to England’s batting lineup.
Pepper, a confident 26-year-old from Harlow, has been called up for his first ODI series after impressing in short-form cricket. Despite having played only seven 50-over matches, his selection is bolstered by two centuries in the Vitality Blast and an average of 44 in the County Championship, including two hundreds in September.
In Buttler’s absence, Liam Livingstone has been named as the surprise stand-in captain for the tour, which includes three ODIs and five T20s. Livingstone, who has previously captained Lancashire, steps into the role amid a challenging period for England, as they juggle commitments across formats and continents. The tour is sandwiched between Test series in Pakistan and New Zealand, testing England’s depth and forcing them to rely on less experienced players.
Livingstone’s appointment comes after a period of uncertainty in his career. Once dropped from the ODI squad, he has since regained form, performing well against Australia in recent matches.
England’s 14-man squad for the West Indies tour is notably green, with plans to add two more players from the group currently in Pakistan. Jordan Cox, a promising wicketkeeper-batsman, is expected to join the squad, potentially filling the void left by Buttler. Meanwhile, Tom Banton remains unavailable due to an ankle injury, and Jonny Bairstow is out of favor despite his past success as an ODI opener.