London: Terming Jofra Archer as a “class act”, England pacer Liam Plunkett believes that the 24-year-old should be included in the squad for the upcoming World Cup beginning at the end of this month.
Archer was not included in the preliminary 15-member England squad for the showpiece event. However, he is making a late bid to make it during the ongoing 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. And he continued with his fine display of fast bowling in the first ODI which ended in no-result due to rain on Wednesday. In the four overs which he bowled, Archer picked up a wicket giving away just six runs.
On Tuesday, former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff say “anyone” should be dropped to make sure Archer had a place in the World Cup squad.
Archer seized his latest chance after England captain Eoin Morgan won Wednesday’s delayed toss at The Oval. He started with a superb maiden over to Imam, generating movement off the pitch at sharp pace.
It was not long before Archer dismissed Fakhar Zaman — the century-making star of Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy final win over India at The Oval — for three after he edged to Test skipper Joe Root in the slips.
Babar Azam (16) struck three boundaries before he edged Plunkett to wicket-keeper Jos Buttler. “I still don’t feel at my best,” said Plunkett. “I feel I can be better, but if I’m still picking wickets up I’m happy with that.” (Agencies)
