T20 World Cup 2024: England relish 'fear factor' of returning paceman Archer

Jofra Archer (Pic: File Pic)

England are eager to release Jofra Archer's "fear factor" against Pakistan as the pacer gears up to return to action after an injury ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, says Sam Curran. Injuries have spoilt Archer's international career and has not featured in top-flight cricket for 14 months due to back and elbow issues.

Five years ago, Jofra Archer made his debut for England but has managed to feature in just 15 T20I matches for the side. He has been named in theEngland's squad for the four-match T20I series against Pakistan which will be in action this week and will also feature in the T20 World Cup 2024.

The 29-year-old has been building up his fitness by playing club cricket in Barbados and last week took a wicket for Sussex's second XI. "It's incredibly exciting to have a player of his quality," all-rounder Curran said on Monday. "I'm sure England fans and players are extremely buzzed to have him back. "He's obviously got that extra pace and fear factor we can bring to the opposition. We all hope his injuries are behind him now."

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"Jof's had a really tough couple of years we all hope he can come back and do what he does for England and bring the A game that we know he's got."

England, who are reigning T20 world champions, are desperate to find form ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the United States. Curran is one of eight squad members who returned early from the IPL 2024 ahead of the Pakistan series. The players had little time together before the defence of their 50-over title.

"The messaging from (captain) Jos (Buttler) and the coaching staff was they wanted to get the group back together and we probably didn't have that last time," said Curran. "We've been apart for a while so these games are going to be really crucial. We want to be playing as a team and get used to our roles. "There's a lot of buzz around the group, it seems like we're back to our energy and it seems like the boys are really fizzed about this trophy hopefully coming back."

England will lock horns with Pakistan for the first T20I match of the series at Headingley on Wednesday.

(With AFP Inputs)