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England star Jofra Archer admits he was in 'excruciating pain' as he fired hosts to Cricket World Cup glory

Jofra Archer admits he was in ‘excruciating pain’ during the Cricket World Cup despite helping England to glory.

The Barbados-born bowler was fast-tracked into the hosts’ one-day international side in time for the tournament.

He took a crucial 20 wickets en-route to Eoin Morgan’s men solidifying their status as the best 50-over team in world cricket.

But Archer, who bowled England’s super-over in the final at Lord’s, says a strain he picked up mid-way through the tournament against Afghanistan threatened to derail their success.

"It was pretty excruciating," he told BBC Sussex. "I'm fortunate it's settled quickly.

"It was pretty bad. I couldn't do it without painkillers, which was from the Afghanistan game onwards.

England's Jofra Archer (R) celebrates taking the wicket of New Zealand's Matt Henry for four runs during the 2019 Cricket World Cup final between England and New Zealand at Lord's Cricket Ground in London on July 14, 2019. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE        (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)
Jofra Archer bowled England to the World Cup final - and then got them over the line (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 14: Jofra Archer of England and Ben Stokes of England celebrate after winning the Cricket World Cup during the Final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 between New Zealand and England at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 14, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley-IDI/IDI via Getty Images)
Archer celebrates as Buttler completes the run-out to seal England's triumph (Photo by Gareth Copley-IDI/IDI via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 14: Jofra Archer of England celebrates in the dressing rooms after winning the Final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 between England and New Zealand at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 14, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley-IDI/IDI via Getty Images)
Archer admitted afterwards he was in 'excruciating pain' during the tournament (Photo by Gareth Copley-IDI/IDI via Getty Images)

"I couldn't get a week's rest in during the tournament because of how close the games were. I only ever needed a week to 10 days."

The clash against Afghanistan was the hosts fifth match out of the 11 that they would eventually play.

It meant that Archer - currently gunning for an Ashes berth - did not get a period of rest to in a frantic schedule.

And ahead of England’s squad announcement for the Test series against Australia - of which it is assumed he will make the cut - the 24-year-old says he has now recovered.

"I'm just ready to go out there and show the guys what I can do with a red ball,” he added.

"I think my red-ball record is better than my white-ball record, so I just can't wait to get the opportunity."

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