England paceman Chris Woakes accepts his World Cup selection is far from guaranteed following Jofra Archer’s arrival on the international stage.
Barbados-born Archer’s priceless ability to bowl at up to 90 mph could now see him force his way into World Cup hosts and favourites England’s final 15-man squad for the tournament just weeks after he made his debut for the national side.
“Safe is probably not the word,” he said. “But you always feel like you need to put in performances, and I’m pleased I managed to do so.
“You hope you are safe, but I suppose until that squad’s selected you’re not. Hopefully I am, but we will see.”
Woakes, however, said Archer’s emergence could only strengthen England, who face Pakistan in two more ODIs – in Nottingham on Friday and Leeds on Sunday – before the selectors name their final 15 for the World Cup.
“There’s always been competition for places there, more so maybe than the bowling.
“I suppose this (Archer’s arrival) has done the same for the bowlers, so I think it’s been a good thing. Someone, unfortunately, will miss out.”
