Jos Buttler insists he is ‘excited’ by Jofra Archer’s comeback as the fast bowler prepares to make his long-awaited return to international cricket in England’s one-day series against South Africa.
Archer is set to play for England for the first time in almost two years on Friday as Buttler’s side begin a three-match ODI series against the Proteas.
Elbow and back injuries have prevented Archer from playing for England since the start of 2021 but the 27-year-old has been playing in South Africa’s new T20 league this month.
Archer helped England win the World Cup in 2019 and starred in the subsequent Ashes series before his injury hell began and Buttler is delighted to see him fit and firing once again.
‘It’s great to have Jofra back, fit and playing cricket again,’ said England white-ball captain Buttler. ‘I think I speak on behalf of everyone – he’s such an exciting guy to have back on the field.
‘As an England captain, to have him in the team is brilliant. I’m sure he’ll get better and better as he comes back.
‘There’s no expectation from my side on Jofra. He will come back and perform brilliantly because that is what he is able to do.
‘He’s coming back after a long time. The intensity in international cricket is different and he has had some significant injuries.
‘It would be naïve to think it wouldn’t take him a little bit of time to get up to 100%. It’s just fantastic to see him fit and back playing again.’
England will defend their 50-over World Cup trophy in India at the end of 2023. Buttler’s side are also world champions in T20 cricket following their triumph in Australia in November.
‘We have a World Cup ninth months away and don’t have loads of games before that,’ added Buttler.
‘They’re all really vital games to give guys chances and exposure to the ODI format, and opportunities to nail down a place in the XI or 15 for the World Cup.
‘There are two big names, Morgan and Stokes, who are not around anymore. They are big holes to fill, so that’s exciting for guys to have that opportunity to put their hand up and stake a claim for those spots.’
Bloemfontein hosts the first two one-day internationals between South Africa and England, before the teams travel to Kimberley for the series finale.
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