Jofra Archer "Got To Be In" World Cup Squad, Can Pull Off "Surprise" Like Kevin Pietersen: Andrew Flintoff
Jofra Archer has been left out of the preliminary England World Cup squad.
Highlights
-
Jofra Archer made his ODI debut for England against Ireland
-
He impressed one and all with his pace and accuracy
-
Flintoff believes Archer should be in World Cup squad at any cost
Jofra Archer made his One-day International (ODI) debut for England against Ireland in Dublin on Friday and impressed one and all with his pace and accuracy. The 24-year-old Barbados-born fast bowler has not been included in England's preliminary 15-man squad for World Cup 2019, starting on May 30 in the UK, though a series on impressive spells might fit him in. Former England captain Andrew Flintoff believes that all-rounder Jofra Archer should be included in the World Cup squad at any cost, adding that he could replace "anyone" in the team.
"He's got to be in. Who I would get rid of? Anyone. He's brilliant," Flintoff was quoted as saying by BBC.
Archer impressed in his first two England appearances as he took three wickets and constantly bowled in excess of 90mph.
The 24-year-old can force his way into the 15 for the showpiece event if he manages to perform well during the five-match ODI series against Pakistan.
In his T20I debut against Pakistan on Sunday, Archer returned with the figures of 2/29 and pulled off a run-out as England won the match by seven wickets.
"He is unbelievable -- I was watching him bowl the other day and I found it so frustrating that a bloke can bowl so fast with what looks like so little effort," Flintoff said.
The former captain also believes Archer's inclusion would not disrupt the harmony in the England camp.
Comparing the situation with the decision to call up Kevin Pietersen to the 2005 Ashes squad over Graham Thorpe, Flintoff said, "That wasn't popular with everyone because Thorpey had come back in the side and scored a hundred against South Africa, but Kev showed the way to take them on. Archer has that same ability to surprise people, to lead the way and raise the bar.
"Team spirit is born out of winning, I played in a lot of sides, and the only ones that had team spirit were the successful ones. Parachuting someone in is not the issue," he added.
England will play two warm-up games against Australia and Afghanistan in two warm-up matches before starting their World Cup campaign against South Africa on May 30 at The Oval.
(With IANS inputs)
England Cricket Team
Kevin Pietersen