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England captain Jos Buttler said Jofra Archer’s performance after his comeback from injury in the T20 World Cup has “exceeded my expectations”.
The 29-year-old fast bowler returned to the field last month after taking a break of over a year due to an elbow injury and took five wickets in this tournament.
England overcame rain and Namibia to advance to the Super Eights on Saturday with a 1-15 record, before Australia’s stunning win over Scotland confirmed England’s qualification.
“We were in and out checking the weather and Jofra was asleep on the bench – he’s in really good form now,” Buttler said.
“I’m delighted to see him playing on the big stage again in an England shirt.”
Archer made his first England appearance since March 2023 last month after returning from a long-term elbow injury, which and a stress fracture in his back kept him out of action for much of the past three years.
In the World Cup, he took a wicket in every match and had the best economy rate among England bowlers playing in all tournaments.
“He’s done a great job and is a reliable receiver for the team,” Butler said.
“He’s definitely exceeded my expectations. He probably expected that of himself, too.”
England’s victory in Antigua left them knowing they could advance if Australia beat Scotland.
Scotland played well but Australia, who had already secured their place in the Super 8s, lost by 181 with two balls left.
This means England will advance to a group with the United States, South Africa and co-hosts West Indies, with their next match set to be against the West Indies at 01:30 BST on Thursday.
“It can be nerve-wracking to watch at times, but luckily we can now prepare for our crucial games against strong opponents in St Lucia and Barbados this week,” said Butler.
As rain began to fall in Antigua, with 46 minutes left before the game was called off, England – a result that would have eliminated Scotland regardless of their performance.
Buttler said his team had “responded extremely well to the situation” and praised the calming effect of former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard, who is part of England’s coaching staff for the tournament.
“He’s got a lot of experience and has seen it all,” Butt said of the two-time World Cup winner.
“He had a laid-back attitude of, ‘It’s just something that happens and we’ll deal with it when the time comes’.”
England travel to St Lucia on Sunday but are awaiting more clarity on the fitness of Liam Livingstone, who was injured against Namibia.
(BBC Sport)
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