Thursday, May 2, 2019

Jofra Archer set for England debut against Ireland

LONDON: Jofra Archer is set to make his England debut when Eoin Morgan´s men face Ireland in a one-day international in Malahide on Friday.The 24-year-old Barbados-born all-rounder was called into a senior England squad for the first time last month after qualifying on residency grounds.He was not included in the tournament hosts´ 15-man provisional squad for the World Cup.But Archer can stake a claim by impressing for world number one team England in their one-off game against Ireland and upcoming series at home to Pakistan before the World Cup squad is finalised on May 23.Middlesex batsman Dawid Malan and Surrey wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes, a replacement for the injured Sam Billings, are also set to win their first one-day international caps on Friday.Morgan, confirming Sussex star Archer´s inclusion, told Sky Sports: "He obviously brings a lot of excitement, along with skill level. He´s been around for the last few years. I´ve played against him and he´s bowled extremely well when I´ve played against him."He was delighted (when he was told). I think his mum and dad are over. Debuts are all about celebrating what´s gone before and recognising the start of a new journey and for Jofra it´s obviously very exciting."Archer has impressed in the lucrative Twenty20 Indian Premier League this season for the Rajasthan Royals, where his teammates included established England all-rounder Ben Stokes.He completed a three-year qualification period in March after the England and Wales Cricket Board changed its residency rules.Under the previous system, Archer would not have been eligible until 2022 after a seven-year residency.The prospect of Archer, whose father is English, playing at the World Cup has caused concern among several more established England rivals for a pace-bowling berth including Chris Woakes, David Willey and Mark Wood, amid suggestions his inclusion could damage team morale.But former England seamer Dominic Cork said his inclusion was "an absolute must"."I´ve watched him the last three weeks in Mumbai, playing for Rajasthan," added Cork. "You´ve got someone who can bowl at the pace that he can. He can bowl in that first powerplay, in the middle and at the end."

from The News International - Sports http://bit.ly/2PGsYo5

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