If you tuned into the West Indies vs England T20I for cricket alone, you’re in for a surprise. This game was not just about runs and wickets; it was about England’s “Bajan boys” Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell relishing a homecoming like no other. From the thrills on the field to Salt’s decision to skip a party with Rihanna for family time, this match offered a unique blend of talent, tenacity, and touching local pride.
And for Salt? His reward was not just a century but the smiles of his family and friends cheering him on from the stands—a scene that easily topped any star-studded event.
Salt’s Centurion Celebration: Declining Fame, Embracing Family
Phil Salt had a choice. Join Rihanna’s exclusive party, or hit the nets and rest up for the match? He chose the latter, much to the disbelief of fans, stating jokingly, “Rihanna’s parties can wait.” Some might argue that’s the wrong decision, but Salt had other plans—plans that included putting on a batting masterclass.
He has a near-unbeatable record against the West Indies: in his last five T20I matches against them, Salt has struck three centuries, tallying an impressive 456 runs at an astounding average of 228. And at the Kensington Oval, a place steeped in memories of his cricket-watching youth, Salt delivered again. His third T20I hundred not only pushed England towards victory but also cemented his reputation as a force to be reckoned with, especially against the West Indies.
When asked if there’s a “secret sauce” behind his success against this team, Salt’s answer was refreshingly simple: “The secret is there is no secret… it just seems to be that I’ve played a bit better here, that’s it.”
Jacob Bethell’s Maiden Fifty: A Moment of Pride for Barbados
Salt wasn’t the only one with a personal stake in the game. Jacob Bethell, another England player with Bajan roots, made his debut at the Kensington Oval, hitting his maiden T20I fifty. The crowd, brimming with Bethell’s family, friends, and schoolmates from Harrison College, cheered every run he scored, supporting him just as fervently as they would a local hero.
Bethell’s former school coach, Corey Edwards, always knew he’d reach these heights. Commentator Barry Wilkinson, who has known Bethell since he was three, even said it was like watching his own son take to the field. The Barbados crowd was indeed behind Bethell, showcasing the unique dual support that cricket can inspire.
Salt could feel the shift in the atmosphere, sharing, “There was a turning point in the chase where we could both sort of feel the crowd had turned and were now supporting us. I’m more pleased for him than I am myself right now, seeing that.”
An Evening of Fireworks at Kensington Oval
For cricket fans in Bridgetown, this T20I had everything. The fireworks on the field matched the electrifying atmosphere in the stands:
- Andre Russell smacked a ball from Liam Livingstone out of the stadium, showing just why he’s a T20 legend. The crowd roared as Russell went for broke, only to be caught on his very next swing.
- Jos Buttler snagged a one-handed catch at slip, defying gravity in the process, though he was later out for a golden duck in a spectacular catch by Gudakesh Motie at third.
- Speaking of Motie, he brought a flash of brilliance with the bat, hitting his first two deliveries for sixes despite West Indies’ collapse.
These moments underscored the joy of T20 cricket, especially in a setting as lively and engaged as Barbados on a Saturday night.
The Significance of Kensington Oval: More than Just a Ground
For Salt, Kensington Oval isn’t just another stadium; it’s a symbol of his journey. He recalls being a young boy watching England lift the T20 World Cup trophy here in 2010. This ground, steeped in Caribbean cricket history, holds memories that drive his passion. So, when he raised his bat to the crowd after reaching his century, the moment was drenched in nostalgia and personal triumph.
Salt himself described the feeling as the equivalent of a “30-yard screamer at Maine Road in the 89th minute”—a nod to his love for football and a tribute to the impact of his innings in front of a crowd that felt more like family.
FAQs
Phil Salt humorously said that “Rihanna’s parties can wait” as he opted to focus on the game against the West Indies. His commitment paid off with a memorable century at the Kensington Oval, where his family and friends could witness his spectacular innings.
Salt has an incredible record against the West Indies, scoring three centuries in his last five T20I matches against them. This consistency has made him one of the most formidable batsmen facing the Caribbean side.
Kensington Oval holds a special place for Salt, who grew up watching cricket there, including the 2010 T20 World Cup. Playing here is deeply meaningful for him, and scoring a century in front of a local crowd made the experience even more memorable.
Bethell scored his maiden T20I fifty, a moment celebrated by local fans who have watched him grow. His performance alongside Salt was a highlight for Barbados supporters, showing that his Bajan roots still run deep.
Beyond Salt’s century and Bethell’s fifty, standout moments included Andre Russell’s massive six out of the stadium and Jos Buttler’s acrobatic catch, adding layers of excitement to an already intense game.
Conclusion: Family Over Fame for England’s Bajan Stars
In a world where fame often overshadows family, Phil Salt’s decision to turn down a Rihanna party is a refreshing reminder that, for some athletes, personal ties run deeper than celebrity allure. Salt and Jacob Bethell both found success at the Kensington Oval, bringing pride to their families and their Caribbean roots in a way that words can scarcely capture.
Their performances in the West Indies vs England T20I showcased cricket’s unique power to blend personal journeys with professional feats. And while Salt may still get another chance to attend one of Rihanna’s legendary parties, it’s clear that the legacy he’s building on the field will resonate far longer.
For fans who watched this match, whether from the stands or on screen, it was a game that highlighted the joy of sports, camaraderie, and the deep connections that keep us all hooked—even if it means missing a party with a global superstar.
