There is no match for Jofra Archer when it comes to intimidating batsmen with his fierce deliveries and fast bowling. Due to injury, England has been without this pacer for more than a year.
After a long wait, he has finally returned to the team. His teammate Sam Curran believes that Archer’s return will instill fear in the opponents.
Defending champions England have included Archer in their squad for the T20 World Cup to be held in the West Indies and the United States. He is also expected to play in the four-match T20 series against Pakistan ahead of the global event.
Archer made a significant impact when he debuted in international cricket in 2019, playing a major role in England’s first ODI World Cup victory that year.
However, he has since been battling injuries. Elbow problems and a stress fracture in his back kept him out of the national team for two years. He missed the T20 World Cups in 2021 and 2022.
After several elbow surgeries, he returned to the field in January 2023. However, while playing in the IPL in May, his old injury resurfaced, and he was sidelined again for about a year.
Archer last played for England in March 2023. He is set to represent the English team again in the Pakistan series. Curran expressed the team’s excitement about having the 29-year-old cricketer back.
He said, “It’s very exciting. I’m sure any supporter or player of the England team will be thrilled to have him back. He’s someone no team would refuse. His extra pace and ability to intimidate opponents are invaluable.”
Archer, originally from Barbados in the West Indies, chose to play international cricket for England. England will play their first two matches of the T20 World Cup at Kensington Oval in Barbados, and Archer is expected to play there if all goes well.
Curran, who played a significant role in England’s second T20 World Cup victory in Australia in 2022, said they are all looking forward to seeing Archer bowl in Barbados.
He said, “His return is incredibly exciting. We all hope his injuries are behind him and that playing in Barbados during the T20 World Cup will be something very special. I think he is excited too, and we hope he will have a good start.”
He added, “The past few years have been really tough for Jofra. So, we hope he can bring back his best performance, which he undoubtedly has. Everyone is extremely excited to have a player of his caliber back.”
England’s campaign to defend their World Cup title will begin on June 4 with a match against Scotland. England’s other three group opponents are Australia, Oman, and Namibia.
