Jofra Archer makes England World Cup squad as David Willey misses out

Barbados-born Archer only became eligible for England in March and has impressed in the three one-day internationals he has played

LEEDS, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Jofra Archer of England and David Willey of England look on during the 5th One Day International between England and Pakistan at Headingley on May 19, 2019 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
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England World Cup squad

Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wkt), Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Vince, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

Jofra Archer's late bid for an World Cup place was rewarded when the Sussex fast bowler was named in hosts England's 15-man squad for the tournament announced Tuesday.

Barbados-born Archer only became eligible for England in March and has played just three one-day internationals.

He edged out left-arm quick David Willey, a veteran of 46 ODIs, after both pacemen featured during England's 4-0 series win at home to Pakistan which concluded Sunday.

There was no place also in a squad, again captained by Eoin Morgan, for back-up spinner and batsman Joe Denly, with Hampshire slow left-armer Liam Dawson - who did not feature against Pakistan - recalled as cover for Adil Rashid, who is nursing a shoulder problem.

Both Denly and Willey were named in England's provisional squad, as was opener Alex Hales.

James Vince came in after England decided against selecting Hales following the Nottinghamshire batsman's ban for recreational drug use.

England reduced their qualification period from seven years to three, a move they insisted was solely to bring them into line with the rest of the world rather than advance the selection of paceman Archer - whose father is English.

Even though Willey offered a different angle of attack as the only left-arm quick in contention, Archer's ability to bowl at 90 mph - and his variety of slower balls - has seen him get the nod.

“We’ve seen Jofra Archer play against Pakistan and we’ve seen the skills he has,” national selector, Ed Smith, told Sky Sports News.

Composite image of England's (top row) Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan, Jos Buttler. (middle row)Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood. (bottom row) Jofra Archer, Liam Plunkett, Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, James Vince. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday May 21, 2019. See PA story CRICKET England. Photo credit should read PA Wire. Editorial use only. No commercial use without prior written consent of the ECB. Still image use only. No moving images to emulate broadcast. No removing or obscuring of sponsor logos.
England's 2019 Cricket World Cup squad, from top left to bottom right: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Liam Plunkett, Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, James Vince. Press Association

“It’s pretty straightforward. He’s an outstanding talent, that’s clear to all of us. He has pace, bounce, skill.”

Smith revealed he had spoken to Willey after he missed out on selection and said he accepted the decision with dignity.

“I spoke to David, he’s an outstanding man. He’s very honest, dignified," Smith said. "He’s a very impressive man and cricketer. The new-ball area is strong and David Willey was unfortunate.

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"He could easily have been in the World Cup squad, he deserved to be in. It was a very difficult situation we were in as a panel. We had more players than we were allowed.”

England are bidding to win the World Cup for the first time.

They now have two warm-up matches, against Australia in Southampton on Saturday and Afghanistan at The Oval on Monday before launching the tournament against South Africa at The Oval on May 30.

England World Cup squad

Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wkt), Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Vince, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood