Archer Set for ODI Return Against Australia

Fast bowler Jofra Archer is set to make his return to one-day international cricket for the first time since March 2023 when England takes on Australia at Trent Bridge today. 

The 29-year-old has been carefully managed by England following a series of elbow and back injuries in recent years. Since his comeback to the international setup, Archer has played exclusively in T20 matches, including during June's T20 World Cup.

Stand-in captain Harry Brook confirmed that Archer will feature in the first ODI of the five-match series, with no restrictions on his workload during the game. Brook expressed excitement about having the fast bowler back in action, stating, "He's obviously a world-beater, and it'll be great to have him on my side as we take them on."

Brook admitted he has avoided facing Archer in the nets due to his formidable pace, but he praised Archer as England’s strongest seamer with significant white-ball experience. "I'm looking forward to seeing him perform again," he added.

Injuries have limited Archer’s ODI appearances to just 21 matches, with only seven coming since his standout role in helping England secure the 2019 World Cup. His return to the ODI setup marks a key milestone, particularly with an Ashes series in Australia just over a year away.

This summer, Archer's longest bowling spell has been a six-over stint for Sussex’s second XI, alongside playing some club cricket in Barbados ahead of the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. 

As one of the few remaining members of England’s 2019 World Cup-winning squad, Archer is joined by Adil Rashid as the only other survivor in the current 16-man team set to face reigning world champions Australia.