Jofra Archer attends England training, raises possibility of World Cup selection | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Jofra Archer, the fast-bowling sensation who delivered the dramatic Super Over during England‘s unforgettable victory in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, has made a significant appearance at England’s training session at The Oval on Tuesday. Archer’s presence has ignited hopes that he may yet feature in the upcoming World Cup in India.
Archer’s career has been marred by injuries in recent times, most notably a stress fracture in his right elbow that has kept him out of competitive action this season. Consequently, he was initially left out of England’s provisional 15-man squad for the World Cup. However, if he can demonstrate his fitness, there remains a window of opportunity for him to be selected as a travelling reserve, allowing him to join the squad in India in case of injuries to fellow England bowlers.
During the net session at The Oval, Archer bowled a significant spell, and observers noted his impressive form.
David Willey, who had made way for Archer in England’s 2019 squad, remarked, “He looks in a good place. I don’t know where he’s at fitness-wise, but he’s bowling good wheels (pace) out there today.”

Former cricketer Andrew Flintoff during practice. (Reuters Photo)
“Everyone knows how good he is, what he’s capable of, and how he can impact games. So to have him close or not far away from being fit is obviously fantastic news,” Willey added.
Adding to the positive atmosphere at the training session, former England captain Andrew Flintoff was also present at The Oval, continuing his role as a mentor to the squad.
Flintoff had been largely out of the public eye since a major car accident during the filming of the BBC television motoring program Top Gear. However, the 45-year-old cricketer was encouraged to rejoin the England set-up by his friend and former teammate Rob Key, now the managing director of men’s cricket at the England and Wales Cricket Board.

“It’s been great, to have him (Flintoff) with us is fantastic,” Willey said. “He’s a legend of the game; I grew up watching him play, and to have him here with us, just his presence and everything he’s done in the game, is fantastic.”
With Jofra Archer’s potential return to fitness and the invaluable guidance of Andrew Flintoff, England’s World Cup aspirations are looking brighter, and fans eagerly await further developments as the tournament draws nearer.
(With inputs from AFP)