Jofra Archer makes successful return as England sink

2nd T20: England, 183-7, beat Pakistan, 160, by 23 runsBowler picks up two wickets after more than a year out

On a day when Jos Buttler crackled with the bat and regular wickets derailed Pakistan’s run chase, the biggest plus for England at the start of their T20 World Cup build-up was an unscathed return for Jofra Archer, 62 weeks since his last cap.

It has been a tortured road back for Archer, a long-standing battle with elbow stress fractures leading him to question whether another setback could be overcome. Playing a full part on the field was the first box to be ticked and as England defended their 183 for seven for a 23-run win and a 1-0 lead, the Sharpie could come out of the pot.