Jofra Archer’s remarkable rise will take another leap forward on Wednesday when he is named as England’s spearhead fast bowler in the World Cup but David Willey is set to be squeezed out of the final squad, reported The Telegraph.
Archer has only played three one-day internationals bowling just 22 overs for his adopted country but England have seen enough to be certain he can be their missing link.
When Ed Smith, the national selector, announces the 15-man squad in the Writing Room in the Lord’s pavilion at 9.30 on Wednesday morning, Liam Dawson will also be called up having leapfrogged Joe Denly to make the final cut even though he was not part of the squad for the series against Pakistan.
David Willey is also set for disappointment after working for four years and playing 46 one-day internationals in England’s rise from World Cup disaster in 2015 to the top of the rankings. One seamer had to make way for Archer and Willey has done nothing wrong, just been unlucky to be outgunned by a player with more pace and a serious track record of success in Twenty20 leagues around the world.
Willey is a new ball bowler, but with Archer and Mark Wood capable of speeds over 90mph, which will be vital on flat wickets, and Chris Woakes a first choice player, England have three opening bowlers. They do not need a fourth in Willey.
On a big day for England when the World Cup will finally feel like a reality for the players, the official team kit will also be launched by suppliers New Balance. It will have a retro look and be reminiscent of the iconic sky blue kit worn by England in 1992, when they last reached a World Cup final. The squad announcement will also be accompanied by a social media drive with the player’s names announced in a unique way across a variety of platforms.
Head coach Trevor Bayliss and Morgan were right behind the decision to call up Dawson over Denly, who owed his place in the squad to the support of Smith.
Morgan is firmly in charge of this side and was always going to get his way in selection with Bayliss admitting the captain would have the casting vote. Dawson last played for England against Sri Lanka in Dambulla last October but pulled a muscle in his side in that match and had to go home after only one appearance in the five-game series.
But he has been in good form for Hampshire this season helping them to the Royal London Cup final taking 18 wickets at 20.33 in nine games and Bayliss has long been a fan of his attitude and competitive edge giving him a Test debut in India two years ago.
“Unfortunately one or two guys have to miss out. That’s just the way it is in professional sport. It’s going to be a difficult position and everyone will feel for whoever misses out,” said Bayliss.
“Dawson has been in conversations for the last six months or more. He was in Sri Lanka with us and if it wasn’t for an injury he’d have probably finished that series and possibly gone to the West Indies as well.”
Bayliss and Morgan spoke to the players after the final ODI against Pakistan at Headingley reassuring them by saying the door is not closed even if they are left out of the 15 on Wednesday. ICC regulations allow replacements to step in for injured players and with the fitness record of England’s seam attack hardly encouraging, a player like Willey can probably expect a call at some point.
“The message is that everyone deserves to be in the team and we would have no problems at all with anyone in the dressing room being in the 15, but unfortunately there is only 15. They’re all aware of that so sure they’ll take it well,” said Bayliss.
