Vaughan backs Archer to fast-track into World Cup
Michael Vaughan says Sussex seamer Jofra Archer should be thrown “straight into England’s starting XI” ahead of today’s selection of a provisional 15-man squad for this summer’s Cricket World Cup.
The former England captain said he believed the 24-year-old Barbadian-born all-rounder should be selected if he gels with the current ODI squad: “If he fits into the culture of what Eoin Morgan’s trying to produce, then he goes straight into the XI in my view.”
A West Indies under-19s international, Archer has an English father and a British passport. He did not live in the UK until he was an adult and is required to complete a residency period, after which he has indicated he wishes to represent England.
ECB rule changes in November 2018 reduced the required term from a number of days over a period of seven years to 210 days in the country over three years. As a result, Archer is expected to qualify for England selection in time for this summer’s World Cup, as opposed to 2022.
Teams competing at the Cricket World Cup have until 23 April to announce their sides. England will also announce today an expanded 17-man squad for the ODI series against Pakistan which precedes the summer tournament.
Vaughan, pictured, said he believed Archer would be a boost to England’s chances: “I do think England have got strength in depth and to win
0 Jofra Archer has returned impressive figures bowling for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. a World Cup you will probably need to use the majority of your squad, 13 or 14 of them. When you think about the addition, potentially, of Jofra Archer, that depth gets a little bit better.
“I have no question that he’s got the ability for international cricket, that’s been evident for years. “I don’t know what he’s like as a character and that’s very important as you need to bring in the right style of character into the group.
“There’s no point lobbing someone in because he’s got
MICHAEL VAUGHAN
a bit of a game and then upsetting the apple cart, because he’s not been around for the last three years when England have had a bit of success.
Archer has impressed in short formats in recent years, particularly in the Big Bash and IPL for the Hobart Hurricanes and Rajasthan Royals respectively. In IPL 2018, Archer took 15 wickets in ten matches with an average of 21.66. In this year’s tournament, he has averaged 27.85, taking seven wickets in seven matches.
Vaughan added: “He had a good Big Bash at times, but it was also the first time I’d seen him ‘been had’ as well.
“If he starts getting them down at around the 85 mark, 83 miles an hour, I think he’ll get dispatched.
“His ability to bowl pace has to be on a day’s basis and I think that’ll be the message from Eoin Morgan.”
The Cricket World Cup will take place in May and June, with the first match between England and South Africa being played at the Oval on Thursday 30 May. l Michael Vaughan was speaking at an event held by ICC Cricket World Cup England & Wales 2019 Official Timekeeper Hublot to celebrate the 100 day countdown.
“To win a World Cup you will probably need to use the majority of your squad, 13 or 14 of them. When you think about Jofra Archer, that depth gets better”