Jofra Archer joined England’s training session at The Kia Oval on Tuesday, keeping alive the possibility of the fast bowler traveling to next month’s Cricket World Cup in India.
Archer, who bowled a superlative ball on that assured victory for England in the thrilling final against New Zealand at Lord’s four years ago, has been plagued by injuries ever since, missing the entire summer with a stress fracture in his troublesome right elbow.
This meant that Archer was not selected in England’s provisional 15-man squad for the World Cup, and was instead listed as a ‘mobile reserve’, which could see him join the squad as injury cover in India. England must determine its final squad for the tournament by September 28.
Archer linked up with the squad in south London on Tuesday as they completed their preparations for the third one-day international against New Zealand on Wednesday. Live on Sky Sports Cricket From 12 noon. The 28-year-old bowled a long over of his long over, followed by a nice left-arm offering.
Wednesday, September 13 at 12 noon
David Willey, who was left out of England’s 2019 World Cup preliminary squad in order to make way for the newly available Archer, admitted the paceman looked in a good rhythm when he returned to the line-up.
“He seems in a good place,” Willie said. “I don’t know where he is in terms of fitness, but he was playing with good wheels out there today.
“Everyone knows how good he is, what he can do and how he can influence games. So to have him close or not far from fit is great news.”
Willie: I thought my career in England was over
As for his misfortune in missing the 2019 tournament, Willie recalls: “I was a big part of that [team] From 2015 until the World Cup, there were mixed emotions on the day they won the title.
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David Willey reflects on England not winning the 2019 World Cup, but believes the experience will serve him well in other areas of his life moving forward.
“Obviously I was happy for the players, but it was painful. I probably would have given my left arm to be part of that.”
“I think anything that happens to me in cricket now will never be that bad. As my career in the game continues, and whatever I do next, I think this will probably be a difficult but wonderful experience for me – hopefully it will serve me well in other areas of my life.”
Regarding the possibility of making changes again to the team this time and the possibility that it will suffer the same fate, Willie added: “They don’t have to put the final touches on the team until the end of the month, so obviously it can change.
“It’s out of my control, just like it was out of my control in 2019. I’m playing cricket in front of me.
“If it weren’t for Covid [in 2020]Maybe I thought my career in England was over. Choose the two teams [to stay in bubbles] For test matches in Manchester and one day at Southampton.
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Highlights of England’s win over New Zealand after rain in the second ODI as Liam Livingstone and Reece Topley impressed
“I made a promise to myself that I would enjoy every England match as if it were my last, and I’m trying to do that now.
“Things change, and if they change for me, it’s something I’ve never encountered before.
“I’ll go out there and put on performances and try to win cricket matches for England. It’s not my job to decide who gets on board.”
Watch cricket matches, including the World Cup, live on Sky Sports or stream on NOW.
England’s third ODI against New Zealand is broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket from 12pm on Wednesday (first ball at 12.30pm).
