Archer fired up for Lord’s Test
Barbadian fast bowling sensation Jofra Archer has dismissed suggestions he is not yet up to the rigours of redball cricket but has also tempered expectations ahead of his muchanticipated Test debut at Lord’s tomorrow.
The 24-year-old, England’s leading bowler during their recent World Cup triumph, is expected to replace injured veteran seamer Jimmy Anderson in the home side’s final XI to face Australia in the second Ashes Test.
And with Australia head coach Justin Langer already raising question marks over his ability in the longer format, Archer said
he was champing at the bit to prove himself.
“I’m probably more ready than I’ve ever been. I’ve bowled 50 overs in one game already for Sussex and I’m usually the one bowling the most overs anyway,” Archer told media here.
“I don’t think Justin Langer has seen me play first-class cricket. I usually bowl 40 overs every game. I think he has another thing coming.”
He added: “I personally believe in Test cricket you get a lot more opportunities to redeem yourself. In 50-over cricket if you don’t have a good 10 overs, that’s it – you’ve got to wait till the next game. But you have ample chances to do it in a red-ball game.”
Archer first came to prominence in first-class cricket for Sussex in 2017, scoring 638 runs and snatching 61 wickets in a remarkable Championship campaign.
The performance landed him lucrative Twenty20 deals in the Australia Big Bash and the Indian Premier League, and enhanced his stock as a white-ball bowler.
Limited to just eight appearances in the 2018 championship season, Archer still picked up an amazing 42 wickets at 17 runs apiece to impress yet again.
He made his debut for England earlier this year and subsequently led their attack during the World Cup with 20 wickets, also bowling a dramatic super-over to fire the hosts to a stunning win over New Zealand in the final at Lord’s.