Jofra Archer Poised for England Return in T20 World Cup Squad
Jofra Archer is set to make his long-awaited comeback for England as part of the 15-player T20 World Cup squad, which will be announced on Tuesday. The fast bowler has been sidelined since a limited-overs tour of Bangladesh in March 2022 due to a persistent right elbow issue.
After rebuilding his fitness, featuring in pre-season for Sussex and club cricket in Barbados, the 29-year-old is expected to be included in the squads for the four-match T20 series against Pakistan in late May and the defense of the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.
Archer’s close friend, Chris Jordan, is also in line for a recall to England’s white-ball setup. The 35-year-old, a T20 World Cup winner in 2022, has impressed during his recent stints in franchise T20 cricket around the world. His ability to clear the ropes late in the innings, coupled with his experience in the death overs and elite fielding, could earn him a spot in the squad.
The selection decision may result in the exclusion of Chris Woakes, a World Cup winner in both white-ball formats. With the pace of Mark Wood and the left-arm angle of Reece Topley set to feature, Woakes may be the seamer squeezed out to accommodate Archer and Jordan.
The final spot in the spin department also remains a point of contention, with uncapped Tom Hartley vying to provide a slow left-arm orthodox option, potentially edging out Rehan Ahmed.
This preliminary squad can be subject to changes until the final deadline on May 25, as England look to defend their T20 World Cup title.
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