REVEALED: Will Jofra Archer Play In The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023? England cricket team remains hopeful that their bowling star, Jofra Archer, will be fit for the World Cup 2023 defence. Despite not being completely ready for the start of the tournament, Archer might still find a place in the 15-man squad.
Archer is on the road to recovery from a recurring stress fracture in his right elbow. This injury prevented him from participating in the Ashes series. It is the most recent setback in his four-year injury-plagued career.
However, optimism surrounds Archer’s participation in the World Cup. England could potentially field him with Mark Wood in the later stages of the tournament. Archer’s role was instrumental in England’s World Cup victory in 2019. Notably, he bowled the Super Over against New Zealand at Lord’s, securing England’s first global 50-over trophy. His tournament performance was exemplary, taking 20 wickets at an average of 23.05. Despite frequent injuries, Archer’s performance in one-day internationals is commendable. Earlier this year, he took 12 wickets in four matches against South Africa and Bangladesh.
The World Cup begins on October 5, with England kicking off the tournament against New Zealand in Ahmedabad. The competition spans nearly seven weeks, culminating in the final on November 19. All participating nations must submit their squads to the International Cricket Council by September 5, ahead of England’s next ODI. However, teams are free to make squad changes until September 27. England has four ODIs against New Zealand and three against Ireland in September, before the final squad modification deadline.
England’s gruelling tournament schedule, including encounters with India, Australia, and Pakistan, makes Archer’s selection attractive. Each country can select 15 players for their squads and can also bring three travelling reserves. England’s range of all-rounders such as Chris Woakes, Sam Curran, Moeen Ali, and Liam Livingstone provides a level of flexibility. This could make it easier to include a player like Archer, whose fitness might need careful management during the tournament’s early stages.
Will Jofra Archer Play In ICC Cricket World Cup 2023?
Archer’s talent is closely tied to England’s first-ever ODI World Cup victory. His performances in domestic cricket, particularly in the 2018 Indian Premier League, caught England’s attention. The country relaxed its selection criteria in November 2018. The new policy allowed Archer to qualify for the 2019 World Cup.
Archer’s role was significant from the get-go. He quickly evolved into a senior bowler, entrusted with bowling during critical overs. After claiming 20 wickets in the tournament, he bowled the decisive Super Over in the final. His emergence as the leader of England’s attack was swift and impactful.
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Despite the remarkable success in 2019, Archer’s subsequent career has been hampered by injuries. However, England’s hope for his 2023 World Cup availability rests not only on his past performances. He has taken 19 wickets at just 18.10 apiece in the ODIs since 2019. In four ODIs this year, Archer took 12 wickets, displaying his pace, bouncer, knuckleball, and yorkers. His experience from 48 matches in Indian conditions further bolsters his appeal.
Archer’s partnership with Mark Wood was pivotal to England’s 2019 World Cup victory. Their partnership supplemented England’s batting prowess. If they join forces again during this year’s World Cup, it could boost England’s chances of retaining their title.
