Jofra Archer has been named in England's team for the first Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka on Friday, a surprise inclusion after he was initially left out of the touring squad. The fast bowler sustained a side strain during the Ashes but was selected for the T20 World Cup, which starts on 8 February. The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed Archer has made a full recovery and will gain valuable match practice before the tournament.
Archer's return is a major boost for captain Harry Brook's side. Only Adil Rashid has taken more wickets than the 30-year-old for England in T20Is over the past two years. Ben Duckett is unavailable after hurting his right index finger in the ODI series, with Tom Banton batting at four and Jacob Bethell at three. Phil Salt will open with Jos Buttler.
Salt, who has been in outstanding T20 form, said India are "far and away the strongest team" at the upcoming World Cup. India have lost only one T20 series since 2022 and have dominated with Abhishek Sharma topping the ICC batting rankings. Salt, ranked second, said he aims to overtake Abhishek and focus on being the best T20 player he can be for England.
