But if England are to have any chance in India and Sri Lanka, it feels like Salt and Buttler, their two leading batters, will have to hit form.
After Buttler’s period at number three, the pair were reunited as openers at the end of last summer and, despite a quiet run for Salt in Sri Lanka, have returned impressive results.
Salt hit scores of 141 not out, 85 and 89 against South Africa and Ireland. Buttler also made 83 against South Africa when an opening stand of 126 sent England on their way to a record 304-2.
Salt, a notoriously aggressive starter, cuts loose from the start, striking at 149.7 in the first two overs of T20s since the start of 2024 – the third best of any opener at this World Cup.
Buttler, in comparison, has a strike-rate of just 105 in that time. He sits back and watches Salt do his thing.
But by the final two overs of the powerplay Buttler is often flying.
The former captain, having taken a bit of time to get in, has been striking at 172.9 in the fifth and sixth overs, even outdoing Salt’s healthy strike-rate of 163.7.
The pair take on the powerplay in specific and complementary ways.
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