Jofra Archer to make England return against Pakistan in first T20 international on Wednesday | Cricket News
Jofra Archer will make his long-awaited return to international cricket on Wednesday, with England captain Jos Buttler confirming the fast bowler will play in the first T20 international against Pakistan at Headingley.
Archer has not played international cricket since March 2023 due to a stress fracture in his back but featured for Sussex’s second XI recently and is in the squad for England’s T20 World Cup title defence in the Caribbean and USA next month.
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Archer made an impressive return to action for Sussex claiming a wicket in six overs during Kent’s second innings
Asked if Archer would play in the first T20I of England’s four-match series against Pakistan – live on Sky Sports Cricket from 6pm, Wednesday (first ball 6.30pm) – Buttler replied: “Yes.
“I think we just have to manage him through and see how it goes but he’s fully fit now which is really exciting.”
Wednesday 22nd May 6:00pm
England’s white-ball skipper added on Archer’s return: “He has a big smile on his face. It’s great to see him back fit and bowling fast – and just having him back around the group. I know how much he has missed that.
“We’ve got to temper expectations, he’s been out of international cricket for a long time and you can never quite replicate that, but we all know what a superstar he has been.
“Any player of Jofra’s calibre is a huge asset to any team, so absolutely it makes us a better side and gives us a better and gives us a better chance of winning games.
“But we’re not expecting too much from him too soon. It’s important that he just enjoys being back and playing cricket. As England captain, and as a fan, people want to see Jofra playing cricket which is going to be great.”
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Sam Curran insists it is exciting to have Archer back in the England setup ahead of the T20 World Cup
England vs Pakistan T20I series fixtures
May 22: Headingley, 6.30pm.
May 25: Edgbaston, 2.30pm.
May 28: Sophia Gardens, 6.30pm.
May 30: The Kia Oval, 6.30pm.
Watch all four matches of England’s 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.
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