WI just another game for Jofra
Cardiff, June 10: England’s Jofra Archer has insisted it will be “just another game of cricket” should the Barbados-born fast bowler face his native West Indies in the World Cup.
With Archer, who only qualified for England earlier this year, taking an impressive three for 29 in a 106-run win over Bangladesh in Cardiff on Saturday, it seems inconceivable, barring injury, that the tournament hosts leave him out of their side for Friday’s match against the West Indies in Southampton. Archer, whose father is English, was effectively lost to the West Indies when he moved to county side Sussex after overlooking the paceman for the Under-19 World Cup four years ago.
“It’s just same as the last game, just another game of cricket. I know them pretty good. I played with a few of the guys at Under-19, so it will be good to actually play against them this time,” said Archer. Archer’s ability to routinely top speeds of 90 mph makes him a hugely valuable asset and that speed was on show when a ball that clean bowled Bangladesh opener Soumya Sarkar flew off the top of the stumps and straight over the boundary without touching the ground at Sophia Gardens. It was a feat that stirred comparisons with some of the quickest bowlers cricket has known and Archer, asked if he had ever seen anything like it before, replied: “It’s probably the first time. I’ve seen it go for six off a helmet before. But this is the first time I’ve seen it go off the stumps.”
Wood competition Archer is not the only express bowler in England’s line-up, with Mark Wood also capable of blistering pace.
Archer believes his friendly rivalry with Wood can only be of benefit to England as they chase a first men’s World Cup title. “I’m a little bit quicker than him,” said Archer.
Cricket analysts Cricviz certainly credited Archer with a higher average speed but reckoned Durham paceman Wood had bowled he fastest single ball of this year’s World Cup so far at a rapid 95.6 mph (153.8 kph). “Huh? No he didn’t!” said an incredulous Archer, adding, “Only Woody’s speed came up (on the big screen). None of mine did, actually.”