'I know how much he's missed that' - Jos Buttler underscores Jofra Archer's 382 days hiatus from international cricket
Archer will see himself in an England jersey after almost four years.
England’s pace sensation, Jofra Archer is set to return to the international arena after a hiatus of 382 days. As England take on Pakistan in the first T20I on May 22, Archer will see himself in an England jersey after almost four years. The pacer's career has been marred with a spree of injuries. His talent has borne the weight of his fragility procured due to his intense bowling regime. England have also named Archer in their provisional 15-man squad for T20 World Cup 2024.
England captain, Jos Buttler highlighted the importance of the game for Archer and agreed that the bowler is desperate. The clash against Pakistan is schedule to take place in Headingly and the weather seems to play spoilsport in Archer’s comeback game. Buttler further stated that it is important for the 29-year-old to enjoy the game more than anything else.
"He's got a big smile on his face. It's great to see him back fit and bowling fast, and just being back around the group. I know how much he's missed that. [Facing him] is never that fun, but he's looking great. You have to temper expectations. He's been out of international cricket for a long time, and you can never quite replicate that,” said Buttler as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“We all know what a superstar he has been, but manage those expectations: don't expect too much too soon. He's got such a high level of skill that he's always going to perform well, but [he needs to] just enjoy being back playing cricket. As England captain and as a fan, people want to see him back enjoying his cricket,” he added.
Any player of Jofra's calibre is a huge asset to any team: Buttler
Archer is famously known to have bowled the super over in the ODI World Cup 2019. Bowling the penultimate over, he defended the 16 runs and England emerged victorious based on the boundary count. Buttler hinting at the magical ability of Archer asserted that it is worthwhile to not put too much pressure on the cricketer.
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"Any player of Jofra's calibre is a huge asset to any team. Absolutely, he makes us a better side and [gives us] a better chance of winning games. But we have to temper expectations, not put too much pressure on him, ease him back in. The great success would be him coming through this series with a big smile on his face and his body holding up. That would be a success to me,” he concluded.
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