Cook: It’s right to select Archer

Former captain Sir Alastair Cook says it is right that Jofra Archer should be fast-tracked into the England team at the forthcoming World Cup.

Barbados-born Archer qualified to play for England in March after a change in residency rules.

The 24 year-old fast bowler was not named in England’s preliminary 15man group but is expected to make the cut when the final squad is confirmed today.

Cook, who retired from international cricket last year, would have no qualms about pitching Archer straight in when England begin their campaign against South Africa on Thursday, May 30 at The Oval.

Speaking at the launch of OPPO’s ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 ‘Shot Maker’ campaign, Cook said: “I think he comes into that side. Certainly into the squad and I think into most people’s side.

“We’ve seen glimpses and I think England have managed him quite well. We’re seeing the start of a guy who can bowl 90mph, has great skills at the death, and we haven’t even seen him bat yet - and the guy can bat!

“He’d be in my team, and unfortunately him arriving now means someone who has done a lot of work in the evolution of this side is going to miss out.”

The emergence of Archer, who only made his debut against Ireland earlier this month, has made it likely at least one of David Willey, Tom Curran or Joe Denly will drop out.

Willey and Curran, in particular, have been key men in an England squad which has risen to number one in the world rankings.

“It’s a great situation to be in as the captain, in terms of the competition for places,” added Cook.

“But unfortunately a couple of phone calls will need to be made which won’t be great. That’s the nature of professional sport, it can be very brutal.

“Those guys who miss out will have probably played a lot over the last few years and are going to miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime. But there’s no other way around it.”