Jofra Archer, the uncapped dynamic all-rounder, was included Wednesday in a 17-man squad for next month’s one-day internationals against Pakistan and Ireland. The Barbados-born rising star, was, however, left out of the 15-man preliminary World Cup squad.
The Sussex paceman could still have as many as six one-day internationals — one against Ireland and five against Pakistan as well as a Twenty20 against Pakistan — to force his way in before the final World Cup squad deadline of May 23.
“I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes, the squad selected for the World Cup deserve it and my job is to do my very best against Pakistan,” said 24-year-old Archer who has an English father and holds a British passport.
He completed a three-year qualification period on March 17 after the England and Wales Cricket Board changed its residency rules.
“Of course I want to play in the World Cup, but if it doesn’t happen for me I’m not going to get upset,” Archer added.
“I’m going to give it my best shot. I’ve worked pretty much all my life for this moment and I just want to tackle it and put my best foot forward.”
He added: “I was fully prepared in my mind that it was going to be a seven-year job. When I found out I was qualified more quickly it was obviously a bit of a shock but also exciting.”
