Archer fires warning shot
Star England quick Jofra Archer has delivered an ominous warning ahead of the first test against New Zealand, starting Thursday.
The 24-year-old warmed up for the two-match test series with a fiery display of bowling as the three-day tour match against New Zealand A in Whangarei finished in a draw.
Archer, who was so impressive in England’s journey to their first World Cup title in July, nabbed 5-92 for the match and was a handful with his sharp pace and bounce.
New Zealand A first innings century-maker Glenn Phillips described it as the quickest bowling he’d faced in his young career.
Former test opener Hamish Rutherford would have been thinking the same after being struck on the helmet in the first innings by Archer. He batted on and was later caught behind off Archer’s bowling, being strangled down the leg side.
Rutherford didn’t bat in the second innings because of concussion, being ruled out by the match doctor.
Phillips might have struck a century in the first innings against England’s test attack, but had the bruises to show for it as souvenirs.
‘‘Oh my goodness, that was the quickest I have faced in my life,’’ he said. ‘‘He got me on the forearm, nearly took my head off a couple of times and got me in the chest as well. The challenge was unbelievable.’’
Archer, who made his test debut during this year’s home Ashes series against Australia, will provide major problems for New Zealand’s top order. He showed his class on the final day of the tour match, capturing 3-34 from 14 overs.
New Zealand A were in early strife after Archer had Tim Seifert caught at third slip for a
Glenn Phillips on Jofra Archer
two-ball duck. Fellow opener Rachin Ravindra then departed in similar fashion, also being held by Dom Sibley at third slip, leaving them 33-2.
Archer returned to snaffle a third victim with New Zealand A captain Tom Blundell out hooking to square leg.
Sam Curran, who looks set to be preferred ahead of Chris Woakes for the first test, all but confirmed his selection, snaring 3-42.
It appeared England might only need a short chase for victory with New Zealand A slumping to 104-7 in their second dig, having trailed by 103 runs on the first innings.
Spinners Will Somerville and Ajaz Patel frustrated the English attack though, combining for an unbroken 40-run ninth wicket stand with the match called off early with no result in sight.
‘‘Oh my goodness, that was the quickest I have faced in my life.’’