After the Vitality T20 international series opener at Headingley on Wednesday was washed out, this marked Archer’s first appearance on the international stage in 14 months, but he had not played for his country on English soil since 2020 after an injury-hit few years largely due to a troublesome right elbow. Archer had to wait patiently to make his mark after England were put in to bat first, but contributed with a maximum in an entertaining 12 not out cameo to help them post 183 for seven before he bounced back from an expensive first over to finish with two for 28 as Pakistan were dismissed for 160. Buttler on 🔥 Jofra back 😍A winning start to the summer! 🏏Full #ENGvPAK match highlights 👇 — England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 25, 2024 Player of the match Buttler, who blitzed 84 off 51 balls, told Sky Sports: “I thought he was brilliant and you can see the emotion, taking wickets again for England.
“He’s not just going to be the Jofra of old straight away, but I thought it was a really positive performance. “We absolutely want to get games into him but we’ve got to look after him as well.” Buttler waited until the fifth over to throw the ball to Archer and the 29-year-old was provided with a reminder of how brutal international cricket can be after Babar Azam hit his second delivery back over his head for four before Fakhar Zaman concluded the over with a ramp shot for six.
With Babar and Fakhar at the crease, Pakistan remained firmly in the cont.