Jofra Archer will be released by England against Pakistan in the T20 at Headingley… with the fast bowler set to end a 14-month absence from international cricket

England are set to release Jofra Archer in Wednesday’s first T20 against Pakistan at Headingley as the countdown begins for their World Cup defense in the Caribbean.

Archer, who has not played international cricket for 14 months due to a chronic elbow injury, was held out for at least two, and possibly three, of the four matches against the Pakistanis before the team Jos Buttler crosses the Atlantic on May 31.

And his comeback against England’s beaten opponents to win the T20 World Cup in Melbourne in November 2022 has caused a thrill among his teammates, with Sam Curran hailing the “fear factor” Archer brings to any attack.

“It’s incredibly exciting,” Curran said. “I’m sure the England fans and players are extremely excited to have him back. This is an addition that no team can refuse. He obviously has that extra pace and fear factor that we can bring to the opposition as well.

“His injuries are behind him now and it will be really special for him to play in Barbados next month. Jof has had some really tough years. We all hope he can come back and bring the A-game that we know he has. he owns.

Archer’s return comes in the build-up to the T20 World Cup in Barbados next month

Sam Curran believes Archer’s return will provide extra ‘fear factor’ to opponents

Archer looked relaxed as he warmed up with his teammates on the Headingley away field, even coming out to join the group while holding his lunch on a china plate. But his return could still be marred by the weather, which would deal a major blow to England’s preparations, with no warm-up matches scheduled before the tournament’s opening match against Scotland in Barbados on 4 June.

They also weren’t helped by the absence today of head coach Matthew Mott, who missed practice to attend to a family matter. Buttler, meanwhile, could be recalled at any time for the birth of his third child.

But England did their best to stage their World Cup 15, recalling eight of them early from the IPL – a move which was poorly received by some sections of the Indian media.

“Jos, Motty and Keysy wanted us all to come together for this series,” said Curran, who was player of the tournament when England triumphed 18 months ago. “I think it makes a lot of sense, because we want to play as a team and get used to our roles. It’s quite difficult to go through tournaments when we haven’t really played together. It’s an extremely important series .