![\"Jofra](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/skysports-jofra-archer-the-ashes_7112744.jpg\")
<\/p>\nJofra Archer has been named in England’s team to face Sri Lanka in the first
\nT20 on Friday after recovering from injury.<\/p>\n
The 30-year-old fast bowler missed the final two Tests of England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat after sustaining a side strain and was not initially named in the squad for the three-match T20 series against Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n
He was expected to make his return at the T20 World Cup, which begins for England against Nepal on February 8, but Archer has made a faster than expected return and goes straight into the line-up for the series-opener in Kandy.<\/p>\n
Archer joins Jamie Overton and Sam Curran as seam-bowling options, with England again leaning on a battery of spin options.<\/p>\n
Ben Duckett misses out on the first T20 after sustaining a bruised right index finger during the series-clinching victory in the third ODI in Colombo on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
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\n Archer missed the last two Tests of the Ashes series.<\/p>\n
Duckett, who has not played a T20 for England since the series against the West Indies last summer, suffered the injury taking a catch in the deep.<\/p>\n
Jos Buttler will open the batting on his record-equalling 401st appearance in an England shirt, with Tom Banton slated to bat at number four.<\/p>\n
Full team<\/p>\n
England team to face Sri Lanka in Kandy: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (captain), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.<\/p>\n
England in Sri Lanka – results and fixtures<\/p>\n
All times UK and Ireland<\/p>\n