England coach Matthew Mott keeps Ben Stokes & Jofra Archer door open for T20 World Cup, hails Phil Salt’s form

England coach Matthew Mott confirmed star duo Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer will be afforded every chance to take part in ext year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Archery is currently nursing an injury while Stokes undergone a surgery and in set to lead England against India in a 5-match test series.

Stokes underwent knee surgery following the Cricket World Cup, while Archer continues to manage a long-term shoulder issue. Both remain sidelined, but Mott emphasized their importance to the England setup.

“I think that’s a given,” Mott said of their World Cup prospects. “Ben’s all-round impact and Jofra’s raw pace are invaluable.”

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“Ben, aside from his incredible match-winning ability in every department, gives us that ability to have a seam bowler in your top six that gives you so many options with your team balance…It makes selection a hell of a lot easier. So that’s a given.

“In terms of Jofra, you’ve just got absolute box-office pace, change of pace, bowl any over in the innings. Bowl your Super Over, bowl your last over when they need to. Him on the park is massive, everyone would agree with that.”

Under Mott’s coaching, England have lost back to back white ball series 

With two spots reserved for the recovering duo, Mott’s immediate focus is injecting some experience in England’s squad after they lost 5-match T20I series to West Indies. Phil Salt’s back-to-back centuries have solidified his case for a World Cup opening slot alongside Jos Buttler.

“Salty has put an undeniable case there, and Jos is a legend,” Mott acknowledged, excited about the top-order pairing’s potential.

Mott sees the West Indies series as a crucial testing ground for the World Cup squad, stating, “We don’t get many opportunities to play together before the tournament. This is a very strong team we’ve brought here.”

England have lost 3-2 in the series, with the fifth and final T20I came tough for England on a slow and two paced wicket where England could only put up 132 on board. While Mott keeps his eye on the immediate task, he’s also meticulously building towards the ultimate goal – defending their T20 World Cup crown in June 2024.