Jofra Archer set to play 1st ODI in 18 months
Jofra Archer, the fast bowler from England, is set to make his return to One-Day international (ODI) cricket after an 18-month hiatus. The comeback match is set for Thursday against Australia at Trent Bridge. This marks Archer's first ODI since March 2023, and follows a period of careful management by England due to his elbow and back injuries.
Archer's return to international cricket
Since his return to international cricket, Archer has been primarily playing T20 matches. This strategy was implemented ahead of June's T20 World Cup. Harry Brook, England's stand-in captain, has confirmed that Archer will play in the first ODI of the five-match series against Australia with no restrictions on his workload.
Brook's anticipation of Archer's performance
Brook expressed his excitement about having Archer on his side for the upcoming match. He told BBC Sport, "He's obviously a world-beater, and it'll be nice to have him alongside me and going out there and taking them on." Despite not having faced him much in practice sessions, Brook acknowledged Archer as their strongest seamer with significant white-ball experience.
Archer's limited ODI appearances due to injury
Archer's career has been marked by limited ODI appearances due to his injuries. He has only played in 21 ODIs, with just seven of those coming after his key role in England's 2019 World Cup victory. Despite setbacks and ongoing injury issues over the past four years, Archer remains optimistic about making a return to Test cricket for next year's Ashes series in Australia.
Archer's preparation for return to 50-over format
To prepare for his return to the 50-over format, Archer bowled a six-over spell for Sussex's second XI earlier this summer. This was his longest bowling stint in a professional match this year. He also played club cricket in Barbados before the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, sharpening his skills and endurance for the upcoming ODIs.
England's strategy for managing Archer's workload
England's interim coach Marcus Trescothick has announced that they will closely monitor Archer's workload during the upcoming series. He also mentioned that Archer will be given rest for a few games. Trescothick highlighted the increased workload Archer faces in the 50-over format and assured that both Archer and the team are fully aware of the plan.
Archer's white-ball stats for England
The pacer has featured in 21 ODIs and has picked up 42 wickets at an average of 21.73. He owns one five-wicket haul in this format. Archer's best bowling performance in a match reads 6/40. However, in T20Is he has managed 33 wickets in 26 matches with an economy of 7.56. He boasts one four-wicket haul and his best bowling inning is worth 4/33. In the recent T20I against Australia, he managed figures of 2/31 in 3.3 overs.
