Jofra Archer Set to Make Long-Awaited Return for England’s ODI Clash with Australia

Fast bowler Jofra Archer is set to play his first one-day international since March 2023 when England face Australia in the first match of their five-game series at Trent Bridge. The 29-year-old, sidelined by elbow and back injuries in recent years, has been gradually reintegrated, playing only T20 cricket since returning to international action ahead of the T20 World Cup in June.

England’s stand-in captain Harry Brook confirmed that Archer will feature in Thursday’s game with no restrictions on his workload, signaling a significant step forward for the pacer. “He’s obviously a world-beater, and it’ll be nice to have him alongside me and going out there and taking them on,” Brook told BBC Sport. Archer has only made seven ODI appearances since his pivotal role in England’s 2019 World Cup triumph, where he became a key figure.

Injuries have limited Archer’s playing time, with his longest spell of bowling this year being a six-over stint for Sussex’s second XI. His return to the ODI side is seen as a crucial development, especially with the next Ashes series looming 14 months away.

Archer’s inclusion is part of an England squad that blends youth with experience. Alongside him, Adil Rashid remains one of the few surviving members from England’s 2019 World Cup-winning squad. However, injuries to key players like captain Jos Buttler and Mark Wood, along with Joe Root’s rest, have forced England to field a refreshed team with several newer faces.

Brook, who will captain the side for the first time, emphasized the team’s intent to play an aggressive and entertaining brand of cricket, similar to the approach England has adopted under Test coach Brendon McCullum. Brook believes that the principles of attacking cricket will soon merge across formats, as McCullum is set to take over limited-overs duties in January.

Australia, meanwhile, are riding high with 12 consecutive ODI victories. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who is set to play his 100th ODI at Trent Bridge, has been a key figure in their recent success. Zampa’s impressive record, with 169 wickets at an average of 28, places him among Australia’s top ODI bowlers.