Jofra Archer could make his England debut in Pakistan series
What's the story?
England head coach, Trevor Bayliss, has hinted that Jofra Archer is in the scheme of things for the 2019 World Cup.
After England suffered a big defeat at the hands of West Indies in St Lucia, Bayliss also suggested that Archer could be picked in their squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan.
"We've got to have the squad in by April 23, but there's a month after that to change it. There's the Pakistan series before then, so we'll have discussions about whether he plays, because the absolute final date (for the squad) is May 22", Bayliss told Sky Sports.
In case you didn't know..
Jofra Archer is a Barbados-born cricketer but with a British passport. Since England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recently reduced the residency qualification from seven to three years, Archer will be eligible for World Cup selection after spending the required time in England during the last twelve months.
The right-arm pacer has fetched quite a handful experience while playing in various leagues across the world.
The heart of the matter
With the English bowling lineup looking unimpressive in the recently concluded West Indies series, the think tank will be looking to sort out the shortcomings before taking the field in all-important World Cup in May.
Archer possesses some exceptional bowling skills and can be a handy pick for England. Head coach Bayliss seems to have taken notice of it already. He even showed interest in the promising cricketer's inclusion for England's next ODI series against Pakistan.
Bayliss affirmed, "We'd like it to be as close as it can be (to the final 15) but we could try someone like Jofra in those matches and make a decision one way or another."
What's next?
Hosts England will enter as the favourites for the 2019 World Cup on home soil, owing to their brilliant run in white-ball cricket during the last twelve months. In what will be their last ODI series before the World Cup, they will host Pakistan for five matches during early May.