Sports
Matthew Henry
If England needed a morale-boosting moment in their last match before their T20 World Cup campaign begins, it took just two balls.
Mark Wood, in his first match since March because of injury and the weather, hurled a 95mph delivery that had Muhammad Rizwan groping at fresh air.
He hit 96mph soon after in a rapid opening burst in combination with Jofra Archer – two of the main components of England’s 2019 World Cup win.
Rizwan and Pakistan captain Babar Azam countered it, at least until Babar edged Archer on 36, but it captivated the crowd at The Oval and set pulses racing about the prospect of the pair reuniting during England’s World Cup defence.
“It’s really exciting,” said captain Jos Buttler, whose side’s campaign begins on Tuesday against Scotland in Barbados.
“Any time you see pace in the game, especially those two bowling together, it’s a great place to be.
“The two of them bowled really well on a quick wicket.” (BBC Sport)
F.A
May 31, 2024
Tags: Bring excitment to England Pace Duo Wood & Archer
