Prior to England’s critical match against South Africa on October 21 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, spearhead Jofra Archer has reconnected with the team. Notably, the 28-year-old was forced to withdraw from the competition’s opening round due to various injuries he sustained before to the current ODI World Cup. He was initially not on the team’s trip because the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) elected not to include him in the team’s 15-player squad.
However, after dropping two of their last three games in the premier competition, England find themselves in a precarious position right now. The Jos Buttler-led team can’t afford to lose any more points if they are to advance to the semi-finals, so having Jofra Archer join at this key time may be essential. Notably, he is not yet a member of the 15-member team and will therefore be unable to participate in the match against South Africa. Reece Topley’s knee injury from the previous game raises the prospect of a last-minute substitution, nevertheless.
It’s interesting to note that Archer’s last professional game was in May, and it’s unclear how fit he is right now. He has played for England in 21 ODIs thus far, taking 42 wickets throughout that time. He was critical in assisting England in winning the 2019 ODI World Cup, and the Three Lions’ bowling hasn’t been the same without him.
In Jofra Archer absence, Chris Woakes is bowling with the new ball, and that is still causing concern since he is leaking a lot of runs.
England has to fix their pace unit right now because Sam Curran’s performance is still being scrutinized. Archer will therefore be able to strengthen the speed unit if he joins the 15-man roster and help the team win the championship.
On the other side, in the previous game, the hitters also fell short. The defending champs have much room for improvement, but Harry Brook showed to be a one-man army.
Jofra Archer has joined England’s team in Mumbai.#Jofraarcher pic.twitter.com/S41ey1YnH1
— रोहित जुगलान Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) October 19, 2023
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