Archer offers a Root back

JOE ROOT says Jofra Archer’s confidence and speed could be the key to turning the Ashes on its head.

After seeing what he did in the World Cup shirt, the England skipper wants to see a full-on pace explosion from the debutant as his side bid to level the series.

“He’s certainly very confident, as he should be off the back of a brilliant World Cup” said Root.

“He says it’s his preferred format, red ball, so again I’m very excited to see him at the start of a journey.

“I think he proved that throughout the World Cup, coming in and dealing with being a part of that squad right at the last minute, and all the pressures that held.

“He doesn’t want to shy away from stuff like that so I think, if anything, it’ll motivate him. He’ll be desperate to

prove to everyone how good he is.

“That’s what you want – young guys coming in full of confidence and belief. And someone that’s definitely not going to shy away from any challenge.”

Aussie skipper Tim Paine said his bowlers are out to smother the most dangerous middle order in international cricket for a second Test running.

Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow managed just 76 runs between them at Edgbaston and Paine said: “We’ve seen how devastating they can be.

“It was great to keep them quiet in the first Test but they are going to have their day eventually.

“But we’ve got some plans in place for all of them and if we execute well then we’ve half a chance.” ■ MOEEN ALI is taking a break from cricket after being axed by England.

Worcestershire coach Alex Gidman said: “Mo is putting in some quality practice time which he feels he needs, and we completely respect.”