Archer returns as ECB names squad for South Africa ODIs

LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Thursday unveiled a strong 14-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, scheduled to roll into action on January 27 2023.

According to the ECB, England’s World Cup-winning pacer Archer is all set to make his international return for the first time since March 2021.

Middle-order batter Harry Brook, who had an impressive winter with the bat for England in Tests and T20Is, has been called up for the ODI squad for the first time while opening batter Ben Duckett has also received a call-up for the 50-over format for the first time since 2016.

Surrey seamer Reece Topley, on the other hand, who had been ruled out of the recently-held ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 is on a road to recovery and is anticipated to be ready for the three-match series against Proteas.

“Reece Topley is making [an] excellent recovery from his left ankle injury and is on track to be ready for the three-match series,” said ECB in a statement.

It is pertinent to mention that the three-match ODI series will commence on January 27 and will be played at two venues across six days.

England ODI Squad:

Jos Buttler (Lancashire) Captain, Moeen Ali (Warwickshire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Olly Stone (Nottinghamshire), Reece Topley (Surrey), David Willey (Northamptonshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)

England Men’s ODI Series versus South Africa Schedule:

First ODI: Friday, January 27, Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein
Second ODI: Sunday, January 29, Mangaung Oval Bloemfontein
Third ODI: Wednesday, February 1, The Oval, Kimberley