Phil Salt for England - (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, England have dealt a heavy blow ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 as their star opener Phil Salt has been ruled out of the third T20I against Sri Lanka with injury. Notably, the Three Lions locked horns against the Island Nation for the dead-rubber clash on February 3.
During the toss, Harry Brook won the coin flip and opted to bat first. England's skipper revealed that they made two changes, and Salt's absence was one of them. The right-handed batter has suffered a back spasm, and it is a big blow as the T20 World Cup 2026 begins in four days.
Harry Brook confirms Phil Salt's injury at toss
"We will bat first. Used pitch; this is our third game on it. Hopefully, we will get the best out of it. Phil Salt had a back spasm. Ben Duckett comes in. Jofra Archer is having a rest. Luke Wood comes in,” remarked Harry Brook during the toss.
Now with Phil Salt's injury, Ben Duckett got a chance to prove his mettle in the shortest format of the game ahead of the World Cup. However, the southpaw squandered the golden opportunity and got out for a golden duck in the 3rd and final T20I.
Why England will miss Phil Salt in 3rd T20I?
With Phil Salt, England look a different side because the right-handed batter is enjoying the form of his life. Salt's red-hot form started with IPL 2025 where he amassed 403 runs in 13 innings. Following that Salt continued his brilliant form.
Notably, Salt was England's leading run-getter with 434 runs in 11 innings. His absence is hurting England a lot because the Three Lions are reduced to 34/4 after 5.4 overs. Further, shedding light on Salt's performance in the ongoing series, the right-handed batter has scored 47 runs in two innings.
England's T20 World Cup 2026 schedule
Notably, England are placed in Group C where they will lock horns against Nepal, West Indies, Scotland, and Italy. The Three Lions will kickstart their campaign against Nepal on February 8. Therefore, the Three Lions might not miss Salt in the group-stage in case the injury aggregates, but his absence will definitely create a void in the team.
Talking about England's present state, Jos Buttler is in fine form, but Jacob Bethell is struggling at No.3. Notably, the southpaw has just 25 runs in three innings. Further, Harry Brook has been great, but the Three Lions are not confident regarding their bowling attack.
Jofra Archer has been rested for the third and final T20I, but England now have a point to prove because they last won the World Cup in 2022 edition after beating Pakistan. Talking about the ongoing match, at the time of writing this article, England have lost another wicket and put 47/5 on the board. However, it is a dead rubber because they have already clinched the series.
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