England in West Indies: Jos Buttler reboot? Harry Brook’s time? Will Jofra Archer feature in Caribbean?

Just 22 days after playing their final match at the 2023 World Cup, England’s limited-overs cricketers will take to the field again, this time in Antigua against the West Indies on December 3.

After such an unexpectedly poor World Cup, what does this tour hold for England? Is it about evolution or revolution? And who will be the key men to watch?

Amid the World Cup aftermath, it’s worth remembering that skipper Jos Buttler and coach Matthew Mott have already presided over one World Cup win, at the T20 World Cup in Australia last year.

That was Mott’s second World Cup victory in 2022, having taken Australia’s women’s team to the 50-over title earlier in the year.

And whilst getting back into the headspace of competitive cricket after such a short break might be difficult, it also represents a quick opportunity for Buttler – and the remnants of the squad from India – to start a new chapter.

Part of that new chapter could be Harry Brook.

True three-format cricketers are hard to find these days, but Brook is increasingly seeming like one of them, and he could lead England’s revival in the Caribbean, if he is given time and space to carve out a consistent role in the team.

It’s the latest in a long line of injuries for the 28-year-old, who was so influential in England’s 2019 World Cup victory.

On Archer, Key has said: “He might well be [in the West Indies] but until he’s ready and fit he won’t be in the squad.

“Even then he’ll need a period of building up. We take a bet with Jofra, because of the upside. That’s what lures you in.

“Who’s the best with the new ball? Jofra Archer. Who’s the best in the middle? Jofra Archer. Who’s the best at the death? Jofra Archer.

“It’s the Ashes in two years, the T20 World Cup in the summer, you don’t want to risk rushing something and kibosh the rest of his career.”

One man who has been regularly likened to Archer is Surrey’s Gus Atkinson, who lit up The Hundred last summer and impressed on his England debut.

He didn’t have quite the impact many were hoping at the World Cup, but having been named in both squads for the West Indies, this tour could give him a platform to showcase his explosive pace and variation.

The West Indies did not qualify for the 2023 World Cup, and as such may come into this series with a point to prove.

Their limited-overs ranks have plenty of talent, with Alzarri Joseph and Romario Shepherd among the quicks looking to make inroads into the England batting line-up.

“We expect this to be a hard-fought series, but we also believe this squad will do well in our home conditions,” Desmond Haynes, West Indies’ chief selector, said when naming his squad for the three-match ODI series.

“We have a clear vision. We are focused on building a solid team. Our main focus is to rebuild for success at the Cricket World Cup 2027.”

• Jos Buttler (captain – Lancashire)
• Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire)
• Gus Atkinson (Surrey)
• Harry Brook (Yorkshire)
• Brydon Carse (Durham)
• Zak Crawley (Kent)
• Sam Curran (Surrey)
• Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
• Tom Hartley (Lancashire)
• Will Jacks (Surrey)
• Liam Livingstone (Lancashire)
• Ollie Pope (Surrey)
• Matthew Potts (Durham)
• Phil Salt (Lancashire)
• John Turner (Hampshire)

• Jos Buttler (captain – Lancashire)
• Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire)
• Moeen Ali (Warwickshire)
• Gus Atkinson (Surrey)
• Harry Brook (Yorkshire)
• Sam Curran (Surrey)
• Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
• Will Jacks (Surrey)
• Liam Livingstone (Lancashire)
• Tymal Mills (Sussex)
• Adil Rashid (Yorkshire)
• Phil Salt (Lancashire)
• Reece Topley (Surrey)
• John Turner (Hampshire)
• Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)

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