ENG vs PAK T20I 2024: Jofra Archer is poised to play an international match in England for the first time in nearly four years on Wednesday night, ending a 382-day hiatus since his last professional appearance. England’s captain, Jos Buttler, confirmed Archer will feature against Pakistan at Headingley Cricket Ground, weather permitting.
Archer’s back and elbow injuries have limited him to just seven matches for England over the past three years. He recently played for his club Wildey in Barbados and bowled a six-over spell for Sussex’s 2nd XI.
Jos Buttler confirmed that Jofra Archer will be in England’s XI to face Pakistan on Wednesday, ending a 382-day wait since his last professional match 🙌https://t.co/29RmUbuKQ2 | #ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/XsUZW1g2FH
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 21, 2024
Included in England’s provisional 15-man squad for June’s T20 World Cup, Archer has shown promising signs, bowling with good pace in the nets. Buttler emphasized managing expectations due to Archer’s long absence but praised his high skill level.
Fans expressed excitement over the return of Archer on Twitter!
Excited to see him and Wood bowling together
— Mr Om🌬️ (@MrOm14852020) May 21, 2024
We also excited to see him in action 🔥🔥🔥
The speed 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫
— out of context IPL (@IPL_Moments) May 22, 2024
Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, expressed excitement about facing Archer. Harry Brook will also return to international cricket on Wednesday after missing England’s Test tour to India on compassionate leave.
England’s white-ball coach, Matthew Mott, oversaw training in Leeds, seeking to end their T20I series drought. Buttler, reflecting on lessons from last year’s World Cup, aims to keep team-focused decisions.
Buttler, in good batting form from the IPL, will keep wicket in this series but may hand the gloves to Phil Salt, as his wife expects their third child imminently.
Squads
England: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood.
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan
Schedule of Pakistan’s Tour of England
May 22: First T20I at Leeds
May 25: Second T20I at Birmingham
May 28: Third T20I at Cardiff
May 30: Fourth T20I at The Oval
For those looking to catch the ENG vs PAK T20I action live, finding the best free VPN for Sky Sport can be crucial. This ensures you don’t miss a moment of Jofra Archer’s highly anticipated return, no matter where you are.