Jofra Archer returns from injury as England announce playing XI for 1st T20I vs Sri Lanka
Jofra Archer made a surprise return from injury as England announce playing XI for the first T20I against Sri Lanka, which will be played on January 30.
New Delhi: Jofra Archer is named in England's playing XI for the first T20I against Sri Lanka, which will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Friday, January 30. The fast bowler was not originally included in the two white-ball squads to tour Sri Lanka after sustaining a side strain during the Ashes, but was selected for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will begin in India and Sri Lanka on February 7.
He made a surprise return to England's playing XI after joining the team in Colombo during the ODI series to continue his preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. He took part in training on Thursday night in Pallekele and was declared fit to play the first T20I.
"Pace bowler Jofra Archer has been included after making a full recovery from the side strain that brought his Ashes campaign to an early end late last year," the ECB said in a statement.
Archer's return is a massive boost for the Three Lions, and the pacer will also get some game time before England's T20 World Cup opener against Nepal in Mumbai on February 8. Adil Rashid is the only bowler who has picked up more T20I wickets for England than Archer in the last two years.
Ben Duckett is not included in the playing XI for the first T20I and was also not considered for selection after hurting his right finger while fielding in the last ODI match against Sri Lanka on Tuesday. Tom Banton will bat at four, with Jacob Bethell slotted at three. Phil Salt, who was not part of the ODI setup, will open the innings with Jos Buttler.
Speaking before the news of Archer’s inclusion, Salt praised the Indian teamand said that they are "far and away the strongest side" at the upcoming World Cup.
"I think the [Indian Premier League] is probably a massive part of it. They obviously had their turning of the corner after we beat them in Adelaide in the 2022 World Cup, probably a combination of all those things. They’re so dangerous with so much strength and depth. You need your luck at the right time in tournament cricket – everyone’s going to need a bit to beat them," Salt said.
England's playing XI for 1st T20I against Sri Lanka
Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid