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DeutschIND vs ENG: Archer all set for cat-and-mouse face-off with Samson after T20 World Cup 2026 boomerang
However, the 30-year-old pacer showcased remarkable fortitude to spearhead England's upturn in fortunes, impressing especially during the powerplay. Archer has picked 10 wickets in seven T20 World Cup 2026 matches, recording eight dismissals during the powerplay which is the most by any bowler till the semi-finals. England have accounted for 18 wickets in the powerplay which is six more than India. Archer has also bowled 66 dots out of 114 deliveries in the opening six overs, which is the best tally in the ongoing edition.
'Archer's deliveries drift down leg-side when struggling'
Coach Zubin Bharucha, who has worked alongside the English pacer, dismissed concerns regarding his performance in the opening two matches. "Such express fast bowlers require regular competitive action to get into the flow. Archer's deliveries tend to drift down the leg-side when he is struggling and the wrist also seems a little bent, due to an improper follow-through and lack of synchronization" said Bharucha during an exclusive interaction with TimesofIndia.com.
Archer's training sessions are very structured with focus on top-notch intensity. While critics have termed the pacer as lackadaisical, it couldn't be further from the truth. Archer is a very sharp and intuitive player who pays keen attention to every instruction, catching even Shane Warne off guard at one point.
Catching Shane Warne off guard
"Warne was once sharing an instruction during a meeting where it seemed like Archer was inattentive. However, he almost took Warne on regarding the communication afterwards, saying, 'You mentioned a certain thing but it didn't happen that way'. Warne later told me, 'We have to be careful around him. Jofra listens to everything'" jokingly shared Bharucha.
England will take on India in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final at Mumbai's Wankhede stadium where Archer could generate extra bounce and movement on red soil. The pacer's action is very deceptive, leaving batters in no man's land while attempting to negotiate his deliveries. India managed to recover from a powerplay collapse against the USA but it certainly won't be as easy against Archer who will be England's trump card.
Interestingly, the 30-year-old fast-bowler has dominated proceedings against Sanju Samson so far, dismissing the batter thrice in five T20Is off short deliveries. Samson has scored 25 runs in 23 deliveries bowled by Archer, perishing while attempting to play the pull shot. The batter's record will certainly be a dampener for Indian fans, considering the increased expectations following his 97* against West Indies.
'Samson-Archer face-off will be cat and mouse game'
"It will be a cat-and-mouse game between Sanju and Jofra. Samson needs to be prudent because Archer could well be devastating if allowed to settle. I won't be surprised if he gets a third over upfront. Samson should get into position and use the pace, playing off the back foot. Attacking off the opening delivery or the final ball will be a wise call," stated Bharucha.
However, Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma enjoyed success against Archer during England's tour of India in early 2025. The former smashed Archer for 61 runs off 33 deliveries while the latter accumulated 36 runs off 16 balls, by creating room and slashing the ball. Abhishek smashed 135(54) in the last T20I played against England at the Wankhede Stadium, where the 30-year-old pacer conceded 55 runs and picked one wicket. A cracker of a contest awaits.
Leicester know what is on the line - Parling - Yahoo Sports Canada
Report – Inter Milan Captain Returns To Partial Training As He Aims To Recover For Fiorentina Clash
Inter Milan superstar Lautaro Martinez has reportedly resumed partial training as he aims to return to the pitch by the end of the month.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, El Toro has set his sights on recovering for Inter’s Serie A clash against Fiorentina on March 22.
Head coach Cristian Chivu will be without his talismanic goal-getter for Sunday’s blockbuster showdown against AC Milan.
On the bright side, Ange-Yoan Bonny will be at the 45-year-old’s disposal, with the Frenchman expected to resume training tomorrow.
Inter Milan Stalwart Lautaro Martinez Returns to Partial Training
UDINE, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale during the pre-match warm up at the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Friuli on January 17, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Inter lost Lautaro Martinez to a calf injury in the first leg of their fateful UEFA Champions League knockout playoff tie against Bodo/Glimt.
As a result of the injury sustained in Norway, the 28-year-old missed the return fixture, as well as Inter’s last two Serie A matches.
Furthermore, the Argentine center-forward was unavailable as Inter shared the spoils with Como in a tepid 0-0 Coppa Italia draw on Tuesday.
However, he has now returned to partial training and could appear in Inter’s away game against Fiorentina later this month.
'Not good to watch but still in the hunt'
We asked for your views after Celtic's 2-1 win at Aberdeen which moved them up to second in the Scottish Premiership.
Here's what some of you had to say:
Kev: With 16 and 13 points respectively from the last six league matches, Motherwell and Celtic are the form teams in the run-in. Rangers have only gained 10/18. Viljami Sinisalo and Benjamin Arthur have strengthened Celtic's defence. Benjamin Nygren is a constant goal threat and James Forrest continues to lead by example. Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda remain key players and should start against Rangers. The league and cup double is there to be won.
John: It's the same theme every game. Grinding out results. It's not good to watch but still in the hunt. I also think it's about time to leave Meada out the squad. He is just an empty jersey.
Hugh: Our main deficiency remains a natural striker, the stats clearly show we have not scored enough goals and have the poorest goals total of the top four teams. Our board have had three transfer windows to sort this issue out and have failed to do so yet no one has been accountable or held responsible for this glaring and obvious failure.
Ian: I don't even know how we are still in this title race. Extraordinary. If Martin O'Neill can win the title this year, what a legend.
Eck: Another poor performance by Celtic. Week in, week out this team are playing well below standard. The only players that have played consistently well are Kieran Tierney, Nygren and Forrest when he gets a chance. Martin has done his best with a poor team, the Celtic board should try and get Henrik Larsson or Scott Brown when Martin finishes up and invest in a decent striker and central defender.
Benny: At this stage of the season it's about getting three points, however Celtic again were lacklustre and huffed and puffed their way to a win. There is no cutting edge to this side and they are far too slow in the build-up play to win games convincingly. Tomas Cvancara up front was starved of service but his overall game was poor and his movement slow. Sebastian Tounekti continues to frustrate by not being direct enough. Thankfully Nygren saved the game with another valuable goal.
Gerry: A must-win game, well won. This result after the draw against Rangers shows how important that one point was. We move above Rangers and now can concentrate on chasing Hearts. Nygren scores another crucial goal too.
Saisonstart in Australien - das sind die Favoriten
Am Wochenende startet die Formel 1 in die neue Saison. Zeit, einen Blick auf die Favoriten zu werfen.[mehr]