Jofra Archer has been given the green light to go to the World Cup after being included in England’s 15-man provisional squad both for that tournament and the four-match T20 series against Pakistan that precedes it.
Archer, whose last international appearance came on March 14, 2023, in Bangladesh, has recovered from a long-term injury to his right elbow, and will use the Pakistan series to gear up for England’s title defence in the Caribbean, starting on June 4 against Scotland in Barbados.
Jonny Bairstow is also named in the 15, along with Ben Duckett – England’s sole top-order left-hander.
Lancashire spinner Tom Hartley, who thrived recently during his first Test tour of India, is the only player in the squad not to have been capped at T20 level.
Surrey’s Will Jacks – fresh from a 41-ball hundred for Royal Challengers Bangalore at the IPL – is the only other squad member not to have taken part in a World Cup before.
Jofra Archer has been included in England’s 15-man provisional squad ahead of the World Cup
The express pace bowler has been plagued with elbow issues for a number of years now
England have handed a shock recall to Chris Jordan for T20 World Cup in the Caribbean
Jordan, Ben Stokes and Liam Livingstone with the trophy after England’s World Cup triumph
As reported on Monday, Chris Jordan is recalled to the squad at the age of 35 after his Surrey team-mate Jamie Overton suffered a back injury.
Squad members currently taking part in the IPL will return in time for the Pakistan series, which starts at Headingley on May 22, and encompasses four matches in nine days.
England then fly to Barbados on May 31, and will play four group games – their other three opponents are Australia, Oman and Namibia – divided between Bridgetown and Antigua’s North Sound.
Assuming they qualify, they will then face three Super Eight matches in a bid to reach the last four and defend the title they won in Australia in late 2022.
