3 Players Who Need To Step Up For England If Jofra Archer Misses Out In Champions Trophy

Mark Wood and Jofra Archer [Source: @englandcricket/X.com]

England is all set for the 2025 Champions Trophy, however, one question looms large on their campaign. Can they afford to gamble on Jofra Archer’s fitness? The mercurial pacer, whose raw pace and death-bowling mastery have often been England’s X-factor in global tournaments, remains haunted by a career marred by injuries. 

With the tournament opener against arch-rivals Australia just weeks away, time is running out for clarity. Archer’s recent fitness struggles raise legitimate concerns. Even if he makes the squad, he is high maintenance and could force England to rotate him, leaving gaps in their attack when they can least afford it.

The stakes are sky-high. England’s quest to hunt the Champions Trophy crown hinges not just on Archer’s availability but on their contingency planning. Hence, here are the key players who need to step up if Archer is on the bench.

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1. Brydon Carse

Brydon Carse's ODI Stats

Brydon Carse has quietly evolved into England’s most reliable middle-overs disruptor. The bowling all-rounder's natural bounce and deceptive pace make him a nightmare for batters looking to accelerate. His ability to bowl hard lengths and mix cutters with searing yorkers adds tactical flexibility. With career-best figures of 5/61 in ODIs, Carse can prove to be overwhelming for the opponents to say the least.

But Carse isn’t just a “poor man’s Archer.” His batting cameos lower down the order offer England rare depth in a pace-heavy lineup. With Jos Buttler often needing sixth-bowler insurance, Carse’s dual role could free up specialists like Livingstone or Curran. If Archer sits out, Carse’s hybrid skill set lets England pivot without losing firepower.

2. Gus Atkinson

Gus Atkinson's ODI Stats

Gus Atkinson's ODI World Cup 2023 Stats

Gus Atkinson, a 27-year-old speed merchant can step up in full form as he will be needed to fill for the raw pace. Atkinson’s yorkers and back-of-the-hand slower balls make him a like-for-like tactical replacement. Atkinson is fearless in his approach, unscathed to attack stumps or exploit a batter’s blind spot.

Where Atkinson trumps England’s other options is his adaptability. Unlike Wood, who relies on raw pace or swing, Atkinson blends both. With a smooth action, Atkinson offers Buttler a bankable 10-over option. In high-pressure games, his ice-cool temperament could be England’s trump card.

3. Mark Wood

Mark Wood's ODI Stats

Mark Wood's ODI World Cup 2023 Stats

Let’s not overcomplicate this. Mark Wood, when fit, is England’s most devastating fast bowler. His 150kph+ rockets prove he can outpace even Archer. While injuries have plagued him, Wood is being primed for the Champions Trophy. His experience in crunch moments gives England a psychological edge. Archer’s absence would hurt, but Wood’s ability to deliver keeps England in the game.

Moreover, with Brydon Carse as a defensive foil and Atkinson handling death, Wood can focus on pure aggression. At 35, this might be his last Champions Trophy, a motivator that could unleash his fiercest version yet.

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