Ben Stokes remains the great hope for England in the T20 World Cup 2024. Jofra Archer is the wild card England coach Matthew Mott hopes will come good after a prolonged absence from the team. Ben Stokes is someone who can contribute in all the 3 facets of the game and can also help Jos Buttler in decision making
Ben Stokes last played in the ODI World Cup 2023 and took a break for a knee operation that will see him sidelined for some time. Jofra Archer last played for England in the series against Bangladesh in March 2023. He has been on and off the team for the last three years due to long injury breaks.
Ample time for rest
England wants to ensure their talisman and X-factor are fit and ready for the World Cup. Ben Stokes is expected in India for the Test series next month. He gets ample opportunity to rest as the next fixture is the T20 series in May 2024 against Pakistan in England.
When will Jofra Archer play?
There is no news on Jofra Archer’s availability. One hopes he recovers in time to get enough match practice before the T20 World Cup, although he is the type of player who does not need much practice to be at the top of his game.
He is an impact player with the pace and length to trouble batters. He is lethal initially and difficult to play in the death overs.
Ben Stokes will seek redemption in T20
His role in a T20 format is crucial as an all-rounder. Yet, he will be the first to admit that he has not justified the confidence people put in him. The stats are mediocre for a player of his class and potential. He has scored 585 runs in 36 matches at a strike rate of 128.
His bowling stats are ordinary and leave a lot to be desired. In 36 matches, he has 26 wickets at an economy of 8.4.
At 32, the T20 World Cup may be his last hurrah, considering the number of injuries he has faced in his career.
But let us be sure about one thing- Ben Stokes will rise to the occasion in big matches and give his best. He has repeatedly carried the burden on his shoulders and comes out victorious. He will do it one more time.
Jofra Archer needs to do justice to his reputation
His career in T20I has been decent. In 15 matches, he has taken 18 wickets with an economy of 7.33. He will look to remain injury-free and cement his position in the England team. Let us hope he lasts the entire World Cup. It is imperative for England’s success.