LONDON: Sam Curran anticipates that Jofra Archer’s return this month will inject a significant “fear factor” into England’s bowling lineup. Archer, 29, is poised to make his comeback for England after more than a year, slated for the four-match T20 series versus Pakistan commencing on Wednesday at Headingley.
Despite a history of injuries, Archer remains a pivotal figure, also earning a spot in England’s provisional squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in June. Curran expressed his excitement, asserting that Archer’s presence is a game-changer that no team would overlook. Archer, who recently showcased his form with Sussex’s second XI and through club cricket in Barbados, participated in England’s training session in Leeds on Monday.
While there are concerns about the weather and field conditions for the series opener, England hopes to utilize Archer in at least three of the T20 matches against Pakistan. Curran emphasized Archer’s exceptional pace and intimidating presence, hoping that his injury setbacks are now behind him.
Despite Archer’s meteoric rise in 2019, highlighted by his memorable performance in the World Cup final and the Ashes series, injuries have plagued his career, with stress fractures in his back and a recurring elbow issue sidelining him from recent competitions.
The absence of Coach Matthew Mott due to personal reasons adds to the team’s challenges, while Captain Jos Buttler’s potential absence due to family commitments further complicates matters. All-rounder Liam Livingstone also faces fitness concerns, managing a knee injury sustained during the Indian Premier League
