'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
England skipper Jos Buttler has confirmed the return of Jofra Archer for the first T20I against Pakistan on Wednesday (May 22) in Leeds. Nevertheless, the keeper-batter understands the need to manage the expectations and workload with Archer to ensure a smooth return.
The 29-year-old is in line to play his first international game in over a year. Archer's tryst with repeated injuries has kept him out of the majority of matches since the start of 2020, but he is now aiming to be part of England's T20 World Cup title defense next month.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Buttler called the right-arm speedster's return a massive boost for the team, but understands that Archer might take time to replicate his old form. As quoted by Sky Sports, the 33-year-old claimed:
"I think we just have to manage him through and see how it goes but he's fully fit now, which is really exciting. He has a big smile on his face. It's great to see him back fit and bowling fast - and just having him back around the group. I know how much he has missed that.
"We've got to temper expectations, he's been out of international cricket for a long time and you can never quite replicate that, but we all know what a superstar he has been."
The Barbadian-Englishman returned with modest figures when playing for Sussex second XI recently. His most significant achievement has been bowling England to victory in the 2019 World Cup final against New Zealand at home.
"We're not expecting too much from him too soon" - Jos Buttler
Buttler further claimed that the mere presence of Archer is assuring enough and that they will give him ample opportunities to hit top gear. The Lancashire keeper-batter added:
"Any player of Jofra's calibre is a huge asset to any team, so absolutely it makes us a better side and gives us a better chance of winning games. But we're not expecting too much from him too soon. It's important that he just enjoys being back and playing cricket. As England captain, and as a fan, people want to see Jofra playing cricket which is going to be great."
With the conditions in Leeds slightly murky, the first T20I could result in a washout.
