T20 World Cup: Phil Salt calls on England to play ‘chest’ against Scotland

England, still looking to correct course after their Ashes defeat in the winter. They can still progress after the defeat to Scotland, but it will take a string of results to go their way.

The Scots face a similar situation, and will likely need a win to hold on to their hopes of progressing.

England have chosen an unchanged side, with Tom Banton retaining his place in place of stand-in batsman Ben Duckett.

Both Banton, who has been out twice in both innings in the tournament so far, and Brook were dismissed for cutting the ball off West Indies bowler Judakesh Moty on Wednesday.

It came as England, who entered this World Cup having won 10 of their last 11 T20 matches, lost six successive wickets against the middle-on-spinners.

“I can’t get an insight into other players’ mentalities, but sometimes it can creep in a little bit,” said Salt, who hit 30 off 14 balls before slip.

“The differences between playing in a dual series and playing a tournament, they’re two different things, but the main takeaway from that game is that we probably batted a little tentatively.”

The match will be held in Kolkata, the same day that Scotland hosts England in the Calcutta Cup in the Six Nations.

The Rugby Union Cup originated in the city, at the Calcutta Rugby Club, made up of British expatriates who melted down silver rupees to make silverware.

“Obviously it’s a great day for everyone,” Scottish bowler Brad Will said.

“We just want to go out there and be proud of our country.

“So it’s a great day for Scottish sport and obviously a massive opportunity for both teams to get a big win in the future.”

Scotland have played their two matches so far in this World Cup in Kolkata – a defeat to the West Indies and a convincing win over Italy – which gives them the advantage.

They impressively reached 90-0 in 10 overs before rain intervened when the two teams met in the recent T20 World Cup in Barbados.

England traveled from Mumbai on Thursday and trained on Friday evening, although many of their players have experience at Eden Gardens from the Indian Super League and previous international matches.

Salt was an IPL winner with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024 and has scored five fifties in nine T20 innings at this ground.

“It’s usually a little on the slower side and the tennis ball is a little bouncy,” Salt said.

“I think pretty much it was a new little ball from the days I was playing here and at the same time playing with power is crucial.

“If you win the powerplay here, you’re in a great position.”