Image Source: Eurosport
[Saba Sports News] Rob Key, England’s managing director, has announced that Jofra Archer is a potential candidate for the T20 World Cup in June, to be held in the West Indies and USA, despite not playing for England for over a year.
Archer is also being considered for the upcoming T20I home series against Pakistan. The 29-year-old fast bowler, who has faced a series of injuries including stress fractures over the last three years, has had limited playtime. Since March 2021, he has appeared in only seven matches for England and played five IPL games for Mumbai Indians last year, taking just two wickets.
Key highlighted Archer’s recent progress, including his fast bowling during Sussex’s pre-season in India and his plans to play club cricket in the Caribbean to prepare for the World Cup and possibly the Pakistan series, though his participation is not guaranteed.
England remains hopeful for Archer’s full return to form. Despite his limited action, Archer was part of the ODI World Cup squad as a travelling reserve last year and received a two-year contract from the ECB.
The strategy, according to Key, is to reintroduce Archer to international cricket cautiously, prioritizing his long-term availability, especially in white-ball formats for now. Test cricket is not in Archer’s immediate future, with plans for his return set for the summer of 2025, focusing on series against India and the Ashes.