Jofra Needs Just Four Overs To Stake Claim In Oval Washout

DESPITE another standout display from Jofra Archer, England’s preparations for the World Cup were frustrated by the weather as this opening one-day international against Pakistan was washed out.

- Chris Stocks

Just 19 overs were possible in south-east London as the first of five matches for Eoin Morgan’s team against the 2017 Champions Trophy winners was condemned to a watery grave.

Archer’s four overs, the first of which included three deliveries in excess of 90 miles-per-hour and the second the wicket of Fakhar Zaman, were surely enough to end any debate over whether the Barbados-born fast bowler should be in England’s World Cup squad.

Other selection dilemmas, though, remain and there are now just four more matches for the selectors to settle on their final 15-man squad for the tournament before it is named in 12 days’ time (May 22).

Perhaps the most disappointed member of England’s team at The Oval was Joe Denly, Kent’s spinning all-rounder afforded a chance to impress thanks to the absence of Moeen Ali with a rib injury.

Moeen’s fracture, say England, is not serious. So you would think Denly might have one more chance – in tomorrow’s second ODI at Southampton – to present a compelling case for his World Cup place.

Otherwise, if the words of coach Trevor Bayliss on Tuesday are to be believed, the in-form Liam Dawson could be parachuted into the squad at the eleventh hour.