Willey: Don’t let Archer disrupt our run

DAVID WILLEY has become the first of England’s white-ball side to break rank and question plans to fast-track Jofra Archer into the squad for the summer one-day series against Pakistan and the World Cup. Willey is the bowler most under threat from Archer’s emergence when England announce their World Cup squad in May, having been left out of the one-day series against West Indies. It became clear yesterday that he would not be overly enamoured with losing out to Barbadian-born Archer, who will only qualify for England next week. ‘It’s an interesting

dilemma for the captain, coaches and selectors,’ said Willey ahead of today’s second Twenty20 international in St Kitts. ‘We have a group of players who’ve been together for three or four years and got us to No 1 in the rankings. There’s a reason for that. Whether someone should just walk in at the drop of a hat because they’re available, I don’t know. ‘But it’s part of professional sport. The way to try to make sure it’s not you missing out is

performing out in the middle.’ Willey will face a stiff test of his World Cup claim today at one of world cricket’s smallest grounds, Warner Park. ‘It’s going to be a challenge but you have to be smart and get the batsmen to hit to the long side if there is one, or at least into the wind,’ he added. ‘It could come down to who bowls the smartest.’ Meanwhile, Sky confirmed last night they will show today’s game and the final Twenty20 on Sunday after finally agreeing a deal with the West Indies board for the tour’s final matches.

West Indies v England T20, LIVE Sky Sports Cricket 8pm