Jofra Archer News: Michael Vaughan justifies picking England pacer over David Willey in 2019 World Cup squad

Vaughan justifies picking England pacer over David Willey: Former captain has advocated for Jofra Archer’s place in England World Cup squad.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes the looming ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 is the best opportunity for England to register their maiden World Cup victory. Laying emphasis on “playing smart cricket” in the semi-finals, Vaughan doesn’t want England to repeat past mistakes this time.

“It’s the best opportunity in my time for England – I remember 1992 as a youngster, watching that final at college. They got to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy [in 2017] two years ago but didn’t get over the line on that occasion. They’ve got to see that as a real positive experience and if they get into the semis again, play smart cricket,” Vaughan was quoted as saying by BBC.

Vaughan expects a “special” World Cup

There is no denying to the fact that the current England squad forms a formidable unit which has it in it to defeat any side in the imminent tournament. With the World Cup being played in England, the hosts have a serious chance of lifting the trophy for the first time.

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Considering the Eoin Morgan-led squad as the “best” England ODI side ever, Vaughan opened up on how these players have earned the right to be called “favourites”.

“This England squad is the best I’ve seen. They have earned the right to be favourites. I think we’re in for a special World Cup – world-class players, world-class teams – and I think England will be right at the heart of it,” Vaughan said.

Vaughan justifies picking England pacer over David Willey

Before the English selectors named England’s 2019 World Cup squad, Vaughan had strongly batted for the inclusion of fast bowler Jofra Archer. While he justified his words of the recent past, he also opined regarding feeling for David Willey, who was eventually dropped to accommodate Archer in the World Cup squad.

“I feel for [David] Willey, he hasn’t really let England down, but it’s the nature of international sport that you have to be ruthless. You have to pick who you feel is the right 15 and I feel they’ve got it right,” Vaughan added.