Jofra Archer’s return to the England international scene was delayed due to the first T20I against Pakistan at Headingley being washed out.

The first of the four-match T20I series was entirely lost to rain with the game officially being called off at 5.30pm at Headingley and leaves three matches to play before their T20 World Cup defence begins on June 4.

England’s fast bowler Archer, who has not played international cricket since March 2023 due to a stress facture in his back, was expected to make his comeback as he builds towards the World Cup – live on Sky Sports.

The second T20I game against Pakistan will be on Saturday May 25 with the two sides heading to Edgbaston before travelling to Sophia Gardens and The Kia Oval respectively.

England beat Pakistan in a thrilling World Cup final to claim the T20 crown at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia two years ago and Jos Buttler’s side are using this white-ball series to help prepare for their title defence.

Pakistan clinched a 2-1 victory over Ireland in their most recent T20I series with captain Babar Azam smashing a brilliant 75 and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi taking a three-for.

England’s five-match white-ball tour of the West Indies ended in disappointment as they suffered a 3-2 series defeat in Trinidad after Shai Hope made a crucial 43 not out and lead his side to a victory.

England’s players travelled back from the Indian Premier League early to prepare for this series and missed out on the playoffs.

England vs Pakistan T20I series fixtures

May 22: Headingley, 6.30pm – abandoned

May 25: Edgbaston, 2.30pm

May 28: Sophia Gardens, 6.30pm

May 30: The Kia Oval, 6.30pm

Watch England men’s T20I series against Pakistan, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and USA live on Sky Sports Cricket. Also stream with NOW.