'We are Planning..'- ENG Coach Matthew Mott Speaks On Jofra Archer's Participation in 2023 World Cup
Jofra Archer's career has been marred with injuries [Twitter]
England's white-ball coach Matthew Mott has hinted at a potential gamble on Jofra Archer for the upcoming World Cup 2023 by pointing out the fast bowler's talent and established record.
Matthew Mott opens up on Jofra Archer's World Cup participation
Archer has been battling consistent elbow injuries but stunned critics with a commendable return to the international arena. After an 18-month break, he secured an ODI career-best of 6/40 against South Africa.
The lanky pacer further proved himself in the Bangladesh series. However, the IPL stint for Mumbai Indians was cut short, as after only five matches, Archer had to step down due to his persisting injury woes.
Discussing Archer's potential participation in the upcoming World Cup in India, Mott, while speaking to Mail Sport, stated that while several factors need to align for Archer's participation, they're inclined to gamble on someone of his proven calibre. He added that they're gearing up for Archer's availability, even though it might be challenging.
“There is a high chance that we will take risk on a proven performer that has done it on the world stage. We are planning for him to be available. Obviously, a lot of things have to go his way and it will be a tight timeline but with players like that you are going to give them every opportunity to prove their fitness, and so we will keep an open mind,” said Mott.
The coach also acknowledged that expecting Archer to play all matches would be a stretch, hinting at strategising his appearances.
He also highlighted the significance of ball speed in India, pointing out Mark Wood's laudable performance in the recent Ashes, where he took 14 wickets in three matches with an impressive average of 20.21. The coach believes such talents can provide a similar impact in the marquee event in India.
“It would be a big ask for him [Archer] to play every game, so we would have to target specific ones, but we are big on ball speed for India, we feel like that’s a really important asset for us to have out there and it will be good to see Mark Wood, who had such an impact in the Ashes, do the same with the white ball," added the 49-year-old.
England’s World Cup squad to be picked on Tuesday: Reports
Meanwhile, as per reports, England will likely pick their squad for the 2023 World Cup on Tuesday. So, it will be interesting to see if Stokes and Jofra Archer make it into the final fifteen and represent the defending champions in the showpiece event.
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