Archer’s Return Highlights England’s T20 World Cup Preparations
On a day when Jos Buttler shone with the bat and regular wickets derailed Pakistan’s run chase, the highlight for England as they kicked off their T20 World Cup preparations was an unscathed return for Jofra Archer, 62 weeks since his last international appearance.
After a grueling battle with elbow stress fractures that had him questioning his future, Archer’s full-fledged return to the field marked a significant milestone. Though some rustiness was evident, with his first over costing 15 runs amid Fakhar Zaman’s blistering 45-run knock off just 21 balls, the 100-ball cricket enthusiast eventually finished with figures of 2/28 from his four overs, once again breaching the 90mph mark on the speed gun.
Buttler Shines, Spinners Impress
Buttler was at his clinical best, scoring a 51-ball 84 to propel England to 183/7 before a late collapse. Archer’s unbeaten 12, which included a towering six, added crucial runs. With the ball, Archer’s wicket-to-wicket threat was on full display as he dismissed Azam Khan and Imad Wasim, offering a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come.
Beyond the result, England will take heart from the performances of their spinners, with Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid combining for three wickets. The backyard cricket aficionados in the side, such as Liam Livingstone, also showcased their prowess, with the all-rounder chipping in with a crucial wicket.
Concerns and Positives
The beach cricket-like display from Fakhar was a concerning sign for England, exposing a potential lack of firepower lower down the order. However, with Buttler’s form carrying over from the IPL, captains at the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Chester le Street cricket-loving nation of the West Indies will think twice before opting to bowl first against England.
“With Archer’s successful return and the collective bowling effort, the stage is set for an intriguing build-up to the global showpiece.”
Overall, despite a few areas for improvement, the club cricket enthusiasts in the England camp will be buoyed by Archer’s successful return and the collective bowling effort, setting the stage for an intriguing build-up to the global showpiece.
🔗 Source
