Cricket: Jofra Archer Makes England’s T20 World Cup Squad

Jofra Archer has been selected in England’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, despite missing the last two Ashes Tests due to a side strain. Archer is part of a provisional 15-man squad for the tournament scheduled in India and Sri Lanka in February and March.

Jamie Smith will miss both the World Cup and the preceding tour of Sri Lanka following a challenging Ashes series, while Jordan Cox also misses out on selection. Pace bowler Josh Tongue, who has yet to play a white-ball international for England, earns a place in the squad in recognition of his Ashes performances.

Following England’s loss in the first three Tests against Australia, which saw them concede the Ashes series early, the T20 World Cup is expected to provide further insight into the futures of head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key.

England will play three one-day internationals and three T20 matches in Sri Lanka as preparation ahead of the World Cup, beginning with a match against Nepal in Mumbai on 8 February.