Jofra Archer will return to an England squad for the first time since March 2021 after being included in the party for next month’s ODI series in South Africa. Fast bowler Archer has been named in England’s 14-strong squad for the three-match series against the Proteas. Which starts on Friday, January 27 in Bloemfontein. The three-game series will begin on January 27 in Bloemfontein and will end in Kimberley on February 1. With the series is being played to make up for the 2020 tour that England abandoned due to Covid concerns.

Out for almost two years, Archer has been sidelined with injuries including elbow problems and a stress fracture in his back. The right-arm is said to be recovering well from an elbow injury. Could make his return to international cricket in South Africa next month. The three-match series will be played over six days, with matches in Bloemfontein and Kimberley. The first match starts on January 27, the second on January 29. Both are in Bloemfontein with the final game on February 1 in Kimberley.

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Jofra Archer makes a long-awaited return as ODI squad

New star Rehan Ahmed however will not feature on the tour. The 18-year-old leg-spinner made a stunning start to his international career when he became the youngest man in Test history to take a five-wicket haul on debut. Brook scored three centuries in three Tests against Pakistan, amassing the most runs by an England batter on a tour of Pakistan. Reece Topley is also selected for the squad. The Surrey seamer missed the T20 World Cup due to an ankle injury picked up on the eve of the tournament but has been recovering well and is on track to be ready for the three-match series.

Ben Duckett, who also impressed as an opener during the 3-0 Test series win in Pakistan. Will also return to the ODI set-up for the first time since 2016 as Jos Buttler captains the side. Ben Duckett and Harry Brook have been rewarded for their good form in the recent T20I and Test tours of Pakistan. They were England’s two leading run scorers both times. Will be hoping to lay down a marker ahead of the 2023 50-over World Cup. Duckett makes the squad for the first time since 2016. Having previously played three ODIs and scored 123 runs at an average of 41. Brook, meanwhile, has earned an ODI call-up for the first time.