ENG vs WI: Jamie Smith replaces Phil Salt in England squad for West Indies T20s

Wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith has been called up as the replacement for Phil Salt, who is on paternity leave, for England’s three-match T20I series against West Indies, the country’s cricket board (ECB) said on Thursday.

England completed a 3-0 sweep of West Indies in its one-day international series on Tuesday, with Smith scoring a rapid half century in their victory in the final match.

“Salt, who is taking time away on paternity leave following the birth of his child earlier this week, will now spend time at home. He has been replaced in the squad by Surrey batter Jamie Smith,” the ECB said in a statement.

Salt is returning home on the back of a successful Indian Premier League campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru which won its maiden IPL title after beating Punjab Kings in the summit clash.

The first T20 match between England and West Indies takes place at the Riverside Ground in Durham on Friday.

(With Reuters inputs)

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