Michael Pepper Joins England ODI Squad for West Indies Tour

Michael Pepper, Essex's leading scorer, has been called up to the England ODI squad for the West Indies tour. With captain Jos Buttler injured, Pepper might open with Phil Salt. Liam Livingstone will captain the ODI series starting Oct. 31, while Buttler is expected to join for the T20 series.

Uncapped Essex wicketkeeper-batsman Michael Pepper has earned a spot in the England ODI squad touring the West Indies. With regular captain Jos Buttler sidelined by injury, Pepper could potentially partner with Phil Salt at the top of the order, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Monday.

Pepper, aged 26, led Essex in scoring during this year's Vitality Blast, with 32 sixes, the most by any batsman in the competition. Meanwhile, Phil Salt, another wicketkeeper-batsman, boasts an ODI average of 32.5, and has an impressive T20 strike rate of 165.

Buttler, who was absent in the recent Australia series, will miss the start of the one-day international series due to a setback in his calf injury recovery. Liam Livingstone will assume captaincy duties for the three-match ODI series commencing on October 31, while Buttler is anticipated to rejoin the squad for the T20 matches starting November 9.

(With inputs from agencies.)