Archer arrows in on return to Hobart
Speed demon Jofra Archer gave home-town fans a massive boost as the Hobart Hurricanes shoot for a club record fifth consecutive BBL victory when they take on Brisbane Heat at Blundstone Arena tonight.
The 22-year-old Barbados-born paceman vowed to come back and play for the Hurricanes next season, even if he is flooded with offers from opposition teams.
“Hobart took a chance on me and I will try to stay here as long as possible,” Archer said.
“The (Cricket Tasmania) CEO has been talking to my agent about me coming back. I’m very happy to be given the opportunity to come back to Hobart.”
After winning their past four games, Archer says the Hurricanes want to remain undefeated for the rest of the tournament.
“We want to go unbeaten in the New Year,” he said.
“Everyone is on eight points right now so this game can really start a charge for a semi-finals spot for us.”
The thrilling last-ball win over the Heat in Brisbane gave the Hurricanes reason to feel good about making the semis.
“I think after last game yes we can,” Archer said.
“Everyone was in a really good space the important thing is to keep it going.”
Tensions between the two teams have never been higher after Brisbane batter Alex Ross became the first player in Big Bash history to be given out for obstructing the field when the third umpire decided he had changed direction into the path of Archer’s throw to keeper Matt Wade during the 17th over of Hobart’s win over Brisbane last week.
“Brendan McCullum (Brisbane capt) will come with a point to prove because he wasn’t happy about it, and I don’t think he got as many runs as he would have liked to as well,” Archer said.
“I think everyone’s going to come at it really hard.”