England name World Cup hero Jofra Archer in Ashes squad to face Australia

England World Cup hero Jofra Archer is in line to make his Test debut against Australia next week after he was included in Joe Root’s Ashes squad.

The 24-year-old spearheaded England’s attack during the World Cup, taking 20 wickets and bowling the decisive super over against New Zealand in the final.

Archer had been nursing a side strain, but returned to action for Sussex on Friday, taking two 2-21 and proving his fitness ahead of the first Test at Edgbaston.

The likes of Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes also return to the squad, the latter as vice-captain, after they were given an extended break and rested from this week’s dramatic 143-run win over Ireland, which culminated in Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes taking 10 wickets between them in just 15 overs on Friday as William Porterfield’s side were bowled out for just 38, the lowest ever Test score at Lord’s.

Opener Rory Burns survives, despite scoring just 12 runs in the match, but Jack Leach, whose second innings 92 as nightwatchman proved decisive, has been dropped.

While England’s top order batting remains a concern, Root has an abundance of bowling options at his disposal, even without the likes of the injured Mark Wood.

After the win against Ireland, he said: ‘They did it brilliantly. I thought they were outstanding and it’s nice to know that you’ve got two guys that didn’t even get an opportunity today [Olly Stone and Sam Curran] who also contributed very well throughout the game.

‘It’s very pleasing, especially with the ball, and the way that we managed certain pressure situations through the game.

‘I thought we managed pretty well. It wasn’t by any stretch the perfect game for us but sometimes that can be a really important part in your learning for a team and I certainly think we’ll take a lot from this game.’