England’s cautious approach to Jofra Archer’s workload will continue during the upcoming five-match ODI series against Australia. Archer has been gradually reintegrated into international cricket after recovering from back and elbow injuries.
Despite his impressive performance in the T20 World Cup, Archer has been carefully managed to avoid overexertion. He played only 3.3 overs in the T20I series against Australia and was rested for the second game in Cardiff.
England’s interim coach, Marcus Trescothick, emphasized the need to manage Archer’s workload throughout the ODI series. “He’s played a really good stint of T20 cricket, but there’s a jump in intensity getting loads up to taking full part in an ODI,” Trescothick said.
Archer’s long-term goal is to return to red-ball cricket, but he has not played a first-class match since May 2021. Trescothick confirmed that Archer is comfortable with the ECB’s plan to manage his workload.
“He knows the plan,” Trescothick said. “It’s discussed long in advance of picking the team on each day. We know what we’re doing with him, and where we’re going.”
Trescothick will continue to assist England as an assistant coach for the Test series in Pakistan and New Zealand. He believes his experience working with Brendon McCullum will ensure a smooth transition when McCullum takes charge across formats in January.
“I’m directing it in a way that I know will be very similar to when he comes in,” Trescothick said. “He’ll talk the same way, manage in the same fashion, and debrief in the same way.”
