Archer impresses on comeback, Buttler lauds pacer’s efforts.
England skipper Jos Buttler heaped praise on Jofra Archer after the pacer’s impactful bowling performance on his return to international cricket in the second T20I against Pakistan in Birmingham.
Archer, playing for the first time since May 2023 after recovering from an elbow injury, bagged the crucial wickets of Azam Khan and Imad Wasim while conceding 28 runs from his four overs. His economy rate of 7 underlined his control.
Buttler acknowledged the emotional significance of Archer’s wicket-taking comeback for England. However, with nearly 12 months on the sidelines, the skipper urged not to instantly burden expectations on the 29-year-old.
Batting first, England posted 183/7, riding Jos Buttler’s 84-ball 84. Pakistan recovered to restrict the hosts through Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. Chasing 184, Pakistan lost wickets regularly despite Azam-Fakhar and Iftikhar-Imad’s resistance to folding for 160.
Alongside Archer, Reece Topley and Moeen Ali took two wickets each as England prevailed. Buttler hailed Archer’s impact and the team’s collective bowling effort. England will look to steadily build Archer’s rhythm as he regains full sharpness supporting the line-up.
