Jofra Archer may be in line for England debut in ODI series against Pakistan

The mercurial Barbados-born English all-rounder Jofra Archer may be shooed in for his England debut earlier than expected. England’s coach Trevor Bayliss hinted that Archer is in the scheme of things for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019. England recently suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the West Indies in the fifth and final ODI at St. Lucia.

The visitors who had made 418 in the fourth ODI in Grenada, was bowled out for mere 113 runs in the final ODI, as Oshane Thomas picked his first ODI fifer. In reply, Chris Gayle murdered the England bowling on his way to 77 from 27 balls, an innings that included 9 sixes. The series was drawn 2-2, bringing an end to England’s ODI series winning streak.

About Archer, Bayliss was quoted by Sky Sports saying that England have to submit their World Cup squad by April 23 and there is still a month to go before that. England plays Pakistan during that period and that the team management will discuss whether Archer plays in the series or not, as the final date for submission of the squad is May 22.

The express pacer was born in Barbados and has played U19 cricket for the West Indies, but decided to try his luck in England, since he possesses a British passport thanks to his mother being British. The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) also relaxed the residency qualification from seven to three years, meaning that Archer is eligible to play for England in the upcoming ICC mega event, which will be played in England and Wales.

What’s so special about Archer?

Though England have sorted out their batting in ODI cricket given their big hitting attitude and depth in batting; their bowling is still weak and its shortcomings were evident in the ODI series against West Indies recently. Including Archer might help them get some big support in the bowling department.

Archer bowls at 140 kmph and above with ease and can hit speeds of 150 plus with some effort. He is an exceptional fielder anywhere in the field and his batting is more than handy down the order. Archer has already exhibited his skills in various T20 leagues around the world including the Big Bash League and the Indian Premier League.

Will Archer make his debut for England against Pakistan?

England head coach Trevor Bayliss has noticed Archer’s skills and shown interest in including him in the England team for the Pakistan ODI series. Bayliss affirmed, “We’d like it to be as close as it can be (to the final 15) but we could try someone like Jofra in those matches and make a decision one way or another.”

England is scheduled to play Pakistan in five ODIs in May which is their last international assignment before the ICC World Cup 2019 begins on May 30.

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