Jofra Archer Returns to England's T20 World Cup Squad After Year-Long Absence

England have announced their 15-man squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, with pace bowler Jofra Archer making a much-anticipated return after a long injury layoff. The squad, led by captain Jos Buttler, also sees the recall of Chris Jordan.

Archer, who last played for England in March 2023, has been out of international cricket for a year due to a recurrence of a stress fracture in his right elbow. The 29-year-old seamer is now recovered and ready to spearhead England's bowling attack in their title defense, co-hosted by the West Indies.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is approaching Archer's return cautiously, having already ruled him out of Test cricket until at least 2025. However, they are hopeful that the less demanding T20 format will allow Archer to regain his full form and fitness.

Chris Jordan, another Barbados-born player, has also earned a spot in the squad. Jordan's inclusion comes after Jamie Overton's injury, which opened up a place for the experienced seamer who has played in four T20 World Cups and has 88 T20I appearances.

The squad features several IPL stars, including Jonny Bairstow, who has regained his place in the Punjab Kings side and scored a thunderous 108 in the tournament. Phil Salt, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, and Sam Curran are also expected to join the squad from the IPL.

Established spinners Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali will be joined by the uncapped left-arm spinner Tom Hartley, who will provide support in the spin department. The selectors will also consider young talent Rehan Ahmed as a backup option.

Why this matters: England's inclusion of Jofra Archer in their T20 World Cup squad signifies a major boost to their title defense aspirations. As a key player in their 2019 ODI World Cup triumph, Archer's return adds depth and firepower to an already strong England lineup.

"Jofra is a world-class performer and we are delighted to have him back in the squad after a difficult period with injury," said Mo Bobat, ECB Performance Director. "We will continue to manage his workload carefully but we are excited to see what he can bring to the team in the shorter format."

The squad announcement comes ahead of England's T20I series against Pakistan starting on May 22 and their departure for the Caribbean on May 31. England will open their World Cup campaign against Scotland on June 4 as they aim to become the first team to successfully defend the men's T20 World Cup title.

Key Takeaways

• England announce 15-man squad for 2024 T20 World Cup, including Jofra Archer.
• Archer returns after a year-long injury layoff, set to lead England's bowling attack.
• Chris Jordan also recalled, replacing injured Jamie Overton in the squad.
• Squad features IPL stars like Bairstow, Salt, Jacks, Livingstone, and Curran.
• England aim to become the first team to defend the men's T20 World Cup title.