Archer will bring the "fear factor"

When he returns this month, Jofra Archer will add a "fear factor" to England's bowling assault, according to teammate Sam Curran.

The 29-year-old Archer will likely play his first game for England in over a year when the four-match Twenty20 series between Pakistan and England begins on Wednesday at Headingley.

A string of injuries in recent years has plagued the fast bowler's career; he is included in England's tentative team for the T20 World Cup in June.

"It’s incredibly exciting," all-rounder Curran noted. "I’m sure England fans and players are extremely buzzed to have him back. He’s an addition no side can turn down."

Archer participated in England training in Leeds on Monday. He grabbed a wicket for Sussex's second XI last week and has been increasing his fitness by playing club cricket in Barbados.

Although there is poor weather expected for Wednesday's series-opening, it is hoped that he will play in up to three of the four Twenty20 matches against Pakistan. England would be cautious to take any chances with him in a sloppy outfield.

As the defending champions, England's only build-up to the World Cup is this series.

"He’s got that extra pace and fear factor we can bring to the opposition as well," Curran stated. "Hopefully his injuries are behind him now."

2019 saw Archer have an exciting start to his cricket career, bowling the game-winning super over in England's World Cup victory and making an impression in the Ashes match against Australia later in the summer.

However, he has subsequently experienced stress fractures in his back, and his elbow problem, which returned in May of last year, prevented him from participating in the 2023 summer games.

He hasn't played an international match at home since September 2020, against Australia. His last appearance for England was in March 2023.

Due to a family matter, coach Matthew Mott was not present at practice, although he intends to rejoin the team within the next 24 hours.

Captain Jos Buttler was there, although he might miss a match later in the series or possibly the World Cup because his wife is expecting their third child.

Liam Livingstone, an all-rounder, had to leave the Indian Premier League early due to an issue, so on Monday, he had his knee severely wrapped.