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England's white-ball coach, Matthew Mott, has recently expressed strong support for Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer, indicating that spots in the T20 World Cup squad are being reserved for these key players for the upcoming ICC event.
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Stokes, England's influential all-rounder, is currently in a recovery phase following knee surgery after the World Cup campaign. In a strategic move to manage his workload, Stokes will not participate in this year's Indian Premier League (IPL). His focus is set on recuperating for the upcoming Test series against India.
Archer, the celebrated fast bowler, has faced a challenging period due to multiple injuries. These setbacks have led him to miss significant tournaments like the Ashes 2023 and the World Cup this year. Additionally, Archer made the decision to opt out of the 2024 IPL Auction, following his release by Mumbai Indians. His absence from these high-profile events has been keenly felt by both his team and fans.
In an interview with the BBC, Mott spoke highly of both Stokes and Archer, emphasizing their importance to the England team. He lauded Stokes as a "rare talent," highlighting the strategic advantage of having a seam bowler of his caliber in the top six batting order. Mott stated that Stokes’ inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad is almost certain.
"Every team in the world wants someone like that [Stokes] and they're rare," said Mott.
"A lot of the times you have to give up something. If you win, everyone says 'oh, they got it right'. If you lose, it's 'they were a bowler short or a spinner short'.
"When you've got a seam bowler in your top six, it makes selection a hell of a lot easier. So [choosing him at the T20 World Cup] is a given," he added.
Regarding Archer, Mott described him as a 'box-office' pacer whose presence in the team would be immensely valuable.
"In terms of Jofra, you've just got absolute box-office pace, change of pace, bowl any over in the innings. Him on the park is massive, everyone would agree with that," said Mott.
The anticipation of Stokes and Archer's return to England's T20 World Cup squad is high, as both players have proven their ability to be game-changers. Their experience and skill are expected to greatly bolster England's chances in the ICC event, and their return to the squad is eagerly awaited by fans and teammates alike.
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