Mark Wood disappointed to miss out on Jofra Archer link-up as pace pair go separate ways

While the Durham seamer is likely to line-up during the South Africa ODIs, Archer is returning home to rest

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England quick Mark Wood has lamented another missed opportunity to bowl in tandem with fellow 90mph seamer Jofra Archer.

The 30-year-old did not feature in any of the three T20 wins over South Africa after being overlooked for selection.

And while he is likely to return to the side for the upcoming trio of one-day internationals, it is likely to be in place of Archer, who will skip the series to rest.

Ben Stokes and Sam Curran are also taking a break having also featured in the Indian Premier League.

And while the three 50-over matches represent an opportunity for Wood to impress, it'll come without his trusty ally. The pair have been talked up as a key part of the England team across all formats, but their outings together have been rare.

"I do actually enjoy playing with Jofra," said Wood, who has played 16 international matches alongside the Barbados seamer. "He helps me and brings the best out of me and helps me get wickets. We have that combination where we both bowl quick but we're both different types of bowlers, I've been playing a new role in the 50-over side. 

"Whereas before I was opening the bowling now I am first change. It is always great to play with Jof. I do feel like he helps me, I hope I help him. 

"I'm not that frustrated because I understand that we're always being told from Chris Silverwood that we're going to be rested and rotated so when it comes to the crunch hopefully we're in and around each other like the World Cup. 

^{Wood and Archer are seen as the future of the England pace attack}

"At the moment I understand that he has been here there and everywhere and needs a little break now."

Eoin Morgan opted to go with an unchanged team throughout the entire T20 series against The Proteas, a decision which paid dividends after a 3-0 whitewash.

Surfaces in Cape Town and Paarl were largely on the slow side, which England will encounter again come the World Cup in India next October and November.

But Wood is unconcerned that having had a watching brief during this series that he faces missing out next year.

"It is hard in general to get into this team," he added. "You have to take your chance if you get it. I didn't think I did a lot wrong in the T20s against Australia. But last time I was in South Africa I got smacked.

"Maybe that was a reason I wasn't picked? It is very different in South Africa to India. If I am in form and firing then I'd like to think I can hold my spot but that is down to me."

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