Jofra Archer, who has played only 3 ODIs for England has been added in the World Cup squad. England has made 3 changes from their provisional squad.
Jofra Archer, Tom Curran and Liam Dawson have been included while David Willey and Joe Denly have been excluded.
Barbados born Archer who qualified to play for England in March impressed the selectors with his 90 mph bowling speed.
“Archer does bring different things to the squad. We saw that in advance and when he has had an opportunity in an England shirt he has shown what he is capable of,” Ed Smith (National selector) told BBC Sports.
“He’s a special cricketer. He has pace, athleticism, dynamism and he can get you a wicket in any circumstances. There was a broad desire for him to be in the squad.”
“The England players are getting to know Jofra and there is a broad understanding that he brings new things to the team.
“They are enjoying his company and enjoying his cricket. I do not think that is a problem.”
Smith also talked about Willey, who took 52 wickets in 46 matches but couldn’t find a place in the World Cup squad.
“The phone call that I had with him was exactly what you would expect from the outstanding man that he is.
“He was disappointed, extremely dignified and polite. I explained the reasons and he took it in exactly the way that characterizes this one-day side.”
Unlike Junaid and Rayudu, Willey was gracious in his reaction on Twitter:
What can I say, I’m absolutely gutted. Still 100% behind the lads. On a positive…..still winning at life!! pic.twitter.com/h8AAoregxV
— David Willey (@david_willey) May 21, 2019
On the other hand, Jofra Archer is extremely surprised with his selection.
“I can’t believe it has happened so quickly. I had it in my head I’d have to wait seven years.”
“I was always prepared to wait however long it would take. Everyone welcomed me with open arms from the moment I got in.
Over the moon to be selected for @englandcricket in the upcoming World Cup ?? pic.twitter.com/oMJ8Uor9aD
— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) May 21, 2019
“I haven’t worked out how I can bowl so quickly. I just know if you look after your body, your body will look after you.”
England squad: Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Jos Buttler (wk), Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Vince, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
