In a highly anticipated comeback, Jofra Archer has been named in England’s team for the T20 International against Pakistan in Birmingham. This match marks a significant milestone for Archer, who is playing his first professional match in 385 days and his first home international since September 2020. The fast bowler has been sidelined due to a lengthy lay-off caused by an elbow injury.
Originally set to make his return in the first T20I at Headingley, Archer’s comeback was delayed as the match was washed out by rain. To prepare for his return, Archer has been playing for Wildey in Barbados and Sussex’s 2nd XI. These games have been crucial for him to regain match fitness and form ahead of his international comeback.
The upcoming three matches will be critical for England as they assess Archer’s fitness ahead of the T20 World Cup. Archer described his rehabilitation process as feeling “like a hamster on the wheel,” highlighting the grueling journey back to fitness. Expressing relief and excitement about rejoining his teammates, Archer emphasized that he is taking his return “game-by-game” and hopes to come through the upcoming matches unscathed.
“You’ve got to get up and keep going, day in, day out,” he said. “But I’m back here, so it has to be worth it… being around the guys has been really refreshing. I’ve been rehabbing as long as I can remember, so it’s great to be back here.”
In the match at Edgbaston, Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam won the toss and opted to bowl first. The Pakistan team has also seen some significant changes, with Shadab Khan being recalled after missing their last two T20Is against Ireland, and Haris Rauf returning to the side after recovering from a shoulder dislocation sustained during the PSL. This match also marks Gary Kirsten’s debut as Pakistan’s white-ball coach, with Babar Azam praising Kirsten’s positive approach and strategic planning.
On the England side, Sam Curran, the player of the tournament at the 2022 T20 World Cup, has been left out due to a dip in form over the past 18 months. However, Chris Jordan and Liam Livingstone, who has recovered from a knee injury, are included in the squad. The match at Edgbaston is sold out, with strong support for Pakistan evident in the crowd.
At the time of writing, England was 164/4 in 17.5 overs, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the match. Fans are eagerly awaiting Jofra Archer’s performance in the second inning, as his return is seen as a crucial factor for England’s success in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
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