BLOEMFONTEIN: England’s right-arm pacer Jofra Archer will make his international return since March 2021 in the first ODI of the three-match away series against South Africa on Friday (January 27).

According to the details, Archer, who was out of action since March 2021 due to prolonged injuries, has now been named in the Playing XI for the first ODI against South Africa.

England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler confirmed Archer’s return and stated that he will get better and better as he comes back.

“It’s great to have Jofra back, fit and playing cricket again,” said England captain Jos Buttler. “I think I speak on behalf of everyone – he’s such an exciting guy to have back on the field.

“As an England captain, to have him in the team is brilliant. I’m sure he’ll get better and better as he comes back.

“There’s no expectation from my side on Jofra. He will come back and perform brilliantly because that is what he is able to do.

“He’s coming back after a long time. The intensity in international cricket is different and he has had some significant injuries. It would be naïve to think it wouldn’t take him a little bit of time to get up to 100%. It’s just fantastic to see him fit and back playing again.”

It is worth mentioning that the three-match series between England and South Africa will take place on January 27, 29 and February 1.

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