T20 World Cup 2026: India retirees, Jos Buttler and other trends to watch

But if England are to have any chance in the India-Sri Lanka matches, it looks like Salt and Buttler, their leading pair, will have to find their form.

After Buttler’s stint at number three, the duo reunited in the opening match at the end of last summer, and despite Salt’s subdued performance in Sri Lanka, they produced impressive results.

Salt made 141 not outs of 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 of 304-2.

Salt, a notoriously aggressive opener, fired in from the off, scoring 149.7 in his first two T20s since the start of 2024 – the third-best score in any opener this World Cup.

In contrast, Butler has a strikeout rate of only 105 at the time. He sits and watches Salt do what he wants.

But by the final two points of the powerplay, Buttler often takes flight.

The former captain, after taking some time to get in, hit 172.9 in the fifth and sixth innings, even beating Salt’s healthy batting average of 163.7.

The pair handle the powerplay in specific, complementary ways.