Fingers crossed.

That was the common expression used about Jofra Archer by Rob Key, the managing director of England’s men’s cricket, when he announced the squad for the T20 World Cup.

Key spoke for Archer, England and their supporters as he hoped the sleek pacer — capable of bowling speeds of 152 kmph — will not only make the starting line of the tournament in the Caribbean and the US next month, but also stay fit for however long England’s title defence lasts.

Following his stunning international debut in the summer of 2019, Archer has spent long and regular stints on the injured list.

England changed the eligibility rules in time for the Barbados-born Archer to help the team win their first World Cup in the 50-over format in 2019 and draw the Ashes series
at home against Australia.

Then elbow and back issues limited his appearances.

He missed the next two Ashes series and hasn’t played a Test in three years; since the 2019 World Cup final he’s played only seven ODIs; and he hasn’t played a T20 in more than a year. He has missed the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cups and the 2023
ODI World Cup.

Archer’s health issues wore him down so much that he questioned his desire to keep playing. But he was extra motivated by the thought of playing in front of family, friends and his dogs in Barbados, which hosts England’s first two T20 World Cup games against Scotland (June 4) and Australia (June 8).

Initial fitness deadlines set by England didn’t work for Archer, or made things worse, so the team management has taken a cautious approach to getting him right and giving him a shot at a lengthy career. At 29, there’s still plenty of cricket in him.

Archer was permitted to return to Barbados to get fit. His first action in England this year wasn’t until last week; six brisk overs for the Sussex Second XI.

From there it was straight into this week’s T20 series against Pakistan, marking his first England appearance at home since September 2020. Archer will return
with a managed workload and expectations.

“Don’t expect too much, too soon,” captain Jos Buttler said. “The great success would be him coming through this series with a big smile on his face and his body holding up.”

Archer will offer a fear factor for opposing teams.

“As always with Jofra, it’s fingers crossed until he’s out there playing,” Key said. “You don’t quite believe it until he’s there.”

AP/PTI