England is excited about the return of fast bowler Jofra Archer, who brings a “fear factor” to their team as they prepare for a four-match T20 series against Pakistan and the upcoming T20 World Cup. Despite making his international debut five years ago, Archer has only played 15 T20 matches for England due to a series of injuries.
He has been sidelined for 14 months with back and elbow problems, but now he is ready to make a comeback. Teammate Sam Curran expressed the team’s eagerness to see Archer back in action. Archer’s injuries have significantly impacted his career, limiting his appearances in international cricket. However, his return is highly anticipated because of the impact he can have with his pace and skill.
To regain his fitness, Archer has been playing club cricket in Barbados and recently participated in a match for Sussex’s second XI, where he took a wicket. His inclusion in the squad for the Pakistan series and the World Cup is seen as a major boost for England, as his bowling can intimidate and challenge opposing batsmen.
“It’s incredibly exciting to have a player of his quality,” all-rounder Sam Curran said on Monday. “I’m sure England fans and players are extremely buzzed to have him back. He’s obviously got that extra pace and fear factor we can bring to opposition. We all hope his injuries are behind him now.”
“Jof’s had a really tough couple of years — we all hope he can come back and do what he does for England and bring the A game that we know he’s got.”
England, the current T20 world champion, is eager to regain its form before the upcoming tournament in the West Indies and the United States. This urgency follows their disappointing performance in defending their 50-over World Cup title in India last year.
Sam Curran is among eight team members who returned early from the Indian Premier League to prepare for the series against Pakistan. The team had limited time together before their 50-over title defense. “The messaging from (captain) Jos (Buttler) and the coaching staff was they wanted to get the group back together and we probably didn’t have that last time,” said Curran.
“We’ve been apart for a while so these games are going to be really crucial. We want to be playing as a team and get used to our roles. There’s a lot of buzz around the group, it seems like we’re back to our energy and it seems like the boys are really fizzed about this trophy hopefully coming back.”
The opening match of the four-game T20 series against Pakistan will be held at Headingley on Wednesday.
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