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Jofra Archer will travel as a reserve with the England side to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India and will continue to work on his fitness. Archer was not named in England’s final 15-man World Cup squad on Sunday owing to a continuing elbow issue.
Big Change in the 15 Member squad
On September 17, England confirmed their final squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup. They made one alteration to their preliminary lineup: Emerging batting sensation Harry Brook replaced seasoned batter Jason Roy.
The 33-year-old’s spot appeared to be in jeopardy after back spasms hindered him from playing in the series win over New Zealand.
On this harsh decision, England selector Luke Wright explained, “It’s not a decision we’ve taken lightly. In the early squad, we had him down for opening the batting with Jonny Bairstow in the World Cup…but things happen in sport, injuries happen.
“Everyone was told ‘look, this is the 15 we’re looking to take to the World Cup’, but unfortunately that’s the ruthless side of the sport isn’t it? It’s not the nice side of sport that changes do have to be made.”
The fiery opener was also left out of the squad that went to play the T20 World Cup in Australia, in which England triumphed as well.
Archer is the only reserve travelling with the team
Luke Wright explained why Archer will be the sole reserve player travelling with the England team at a news conference on September 18. Archer is receiving rehabilitation to fully heal from his recurring elbow issue.
According to Wright, there is no mandate to nominate three travelling reserves, nor is there a necessity to select a substitute player from the list of reserve players that has been named.
Talking further he explained that Archer will benefit by staying around the English squad and the physios, which will fuel his rehab process. And to prepare for the final phases of the World Cup in case a spot opens up in the main team.
Wright said, “As I said, look, for taking people with you, it’s a tough trip to take people with you when you’re not actually involved in that World Cup squad. That, we have to be aware of.
“It’s very different for Jofra. As we said, going back to his rehab, it’ll be great for him to be out there with us and get the best training possible. So, that’s where we are at with those guys”.
