Archer’s record in T20 is exceptional, averaging 22.4 and striking rate 17 across all matches, both at home and abroad. Oman will face Namibia on an up-and-down pitch at Kensington Oval on Sunday night, which will also be used for England’s match against Scotland. With both teams unfamiliar with the high pace, Buttler will be hoping to overwhelm them by pairing Archer with Mark Wood, with Reece Topley at his side.
At the captain’s press conference on Saturday, Buttler was seated next to Australia’s Mitchell Marsh, and when asked if Buttler would choose his pace duo, Marsh whispered, “Pick one.”Unlike Ben Stokes, Buttler prefers not to reveal anything about his opening XI in the sport’s stat-rich format.
Buttler is sorely lacking an X-factor bowler in India and Archer could be the difference between the success or failure of his campaign. England have done everything to make him as comfortable as possible. He has been staying at his own home rather than the team hotel this week and was allowed to fly between Barbados and the UK last year for his rehab. He caused a bit of a stir behind the scenes as he was playing for club team Wildey without informing England, but the ECB recognised the mental benefits of being at home with friends due to the long and tedious nature of rehab.
He was reunited with his beloved dogs, bought five pit bull puppies soon after landing, and founded JA Kennels in his native St. Philip parish, which bills itself as the home of Barbados’ American Bully XL and French Bulldogs (“available for shipping worldwide”). Gaining speed in Wildy’s net and escaping the British winter for walks along Crane Beach on the island’s rugged east coast seems to be paying off.
Buttler and Mott will hope to reap the benefits over the next month. Archer’s selection will depend on results but his workload will not be too onerous if England reach the final. If Archer plays every game he will bowl a maximum of 36 overs over 25 days but the XI will be cautious and cautious in how he is deployed.
Director of cricket Rob Key is here for his first week as manager and while he selflessly took responsibility for India’s disastrous defeat, the real blame lies with those on the ground who made misjudgments on tactics, sent out contradictory messages and failed to stop the rot.