Jofra Archer appears set for a recall to the England XI for the final Test against Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl tomorrow, which is set to be the last assignment for Joe Root’s side this year.
Archer was rested for last week’s rain-ruined draw, but Root hinted he will return. Sam Curran or Dom Bess could drop out, and Chris Woakes’ fitness will need to be assessed.
When asked if one of England’s quicks Mark Wood or Jofra Archer would play, Root said: “I think there is a fair chance you'll see at least one of them. Everything is on the table, we've got all options there for us in the squad whichever way we think suits the pitch best.
“We want to go in with the best balanced attack that we feel will be able to take 20 wickets on that surface.”
But Root went on to explain Archer’s role in the attack, after James Anderson and Stuart Broad kick things off with the new ball.
“The exciting thing is that you've then got Jofra to come in and hopefully get the ball zipping around at 90 plus mph.
“It has been made very clear what his role is to play this week, Spoons said as much when he spoke yesterday, and that gives him real clarity going into the game.
“I think he's really keen to show what he can do. He's coming off the back of a rest and he's full of energy, so hopefully we'll see him at his best this week.”
Root has asked his players to sign off this strange summer with a bang. They are due to play Tests in Sri Lanka and India in the new year but Covid-19 means dates and venues are yet to be confirmed.
“My message to the guys today was quite simple really,” he said.
“We don't know when the next time is that we'll play Test cricket so let's make sure we throw everything into this week, make sure we leave no stones unturned and we give everything to each other and the badge going into this last game. So the guys have prepared really well the last couple of days. And I fully expect everyone to give everything over the next five days, and make sure we give ourselves the best chance of finishing the series 2-0.
“It is so uncertain when we will next play and be together again, so we owe it to ourselves and all the hard work we've put in over this period within this bubble that we don't let ourselves down over these five days.
“The attitude and effort will be there as always and we'll make sure we turn up and throw everything at Pakistan and leave the Test summer with a brilliant performance under our belt. That's the plan anyway.
“We have to wait and see what international cricket materialises over the winter. There is nothing firmly fixed in the schedule, but it could quickly become a busy winter.
“It could be an interesting challenge so everyone has to make sure they look after themselves as best as they can to be ready for whatever games come at us.”