Archer given chance to stake World Cup claim

The dynamic Barbados-born all-rounder was left out of the 15-man preliminary World Cup squad also announced by tournament hosts England on Wednesday.

But England, in common with all other teams, have a May 23 deadline to announce their final World Cup squad.

Sussex star Archer, 24, has an English father and holds a British passport.

He completed a three-year qualification period on March 17 after the England and Wales Cricket Board changed its residency rules.

Under the previous system, he would not have been eligible until the winter of 2022 after a seven-year residency.

But he could have as many as six one-day internationals — one against Ireland and five against Pakistan — to stake his claim before England unveil their World Cup squad.

Archer and another Barbados born Sussex player Chris Jordan were both added to the 15-man squad that played a one-day series in the West Indies earlier this year. They were also included in the 14-strong party for a one-off Twenty20 against Pakistan.

Pace bowler Archer, who has been impressing in the Indian Premier League, will be vying with the likes of David Willey, Liam Plunkett and Tom Curran for a World Cup place.

“The selection panel has been impressed with Jofra Archer’s performances in domestic and franchise cricket,” said England national selector Ed Smith. “He is a very talented and exciting cricketer.

“Chris Jordan, a regular in IT20 squads over the past few years, has continued to develop as a cricketer — as we saw in the IT20s in the West Indies. He fully deserves his return to the ODI squad.”

Former England batsman Smith added: “In line with ICC regulations, we have to name a preliminary squad of 15 for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup before April 23.

“However, all 17 players named in the Royal London ODIs against Pakistan can stake a claim to be in the final 15-man squad, finalised at the end of that series.”

– ‘Not fair morally’ –

Several England pace bowlers have expressed concerns about Archer’s possible inclusion in the World Cup squad.

Chris Woakes, asked Tuesday if it was fair that Archer might replace someone who had been an England regular for years, said: “Fair probably is not the right word. It probably wouldn’t be fair, morally, but at the same time it’s the nature of international sport.

Last month, David Willey, said he was unsure “whether someone should just walk in at the drop of a hat because they’re available.”

But star all-rounder Ben Stokes, a team-mate of Archer’s at the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, recently described the Sussex player as one of the most “naturally gifted” bowlers he had seen.

The squad for the season-opening trip to Dublin features several more changes, with Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler and Stokes — all playing in the Twenty20 IPL — rested alongside Woakes.

England, top of the ODI rankings, will again be captained by former Ireland batsman Eoin Morgan.

They are seeking their first men’s World Cup title. The last of their three losing final appearances was in 1992.