NO GUARANTEES FOR TORONTO
Stokes backs Archer to match Aussie Cummins as world No.1 and be England’s not-so-secret weapon in bid to regain the Ashes THE FIGHT FOR PROMOTION TENNIS ATP CUP, AUSTRALIA
BEN STOKES reckons Jofra Archer will be England’s not-so-secret weapon when they try to regain the Ashes Down Under.
Neither Stokes nor Archer were part of the last series in Australia, but after their stunning exploits this summer both should have a big say when the next tour gets underway in 2021.
And after seeing him claim two six-wicket hauls in four matches, Stokes is tipping Archer to become England’s own version of the world’s No.1 fast bowler Pat Cummins (top, left).
“Jofra is no doubt the sort of guy who can help get those Ashes back when we go Down Under,” said Stokes, who was named England’s player of the series by Aussie coach Justin Langer.
“He’s got experience in that part of the world already with the TORONTO WOLFPACK are not guaranteed a Super League spot – even if they win promotion.
The Canadian team, inspired by Darcy Lussick (right), have cut a swathe through the Championship and are expected to win the playoffs. But Super League chief Robert Elstone warned: “They have to meet minimum standards. We are seeking a number of assurances – if Big Bash and has done pretty well, so he’ll feel comfortable going there and performing.
“When you can bowl 90mphplus and with the control he’s got then he is going to be a huge threat anywhere in the world.
“I look at someone like Pat Cummins for Australia and how effective he is. He runs in and he hits a hard length in the high 80s and 90mph every now and then and he takes wickets everywhere he goes and that’s why he is the world’s No.1 bowler.
“Jofra is built in the same way in terms of the way he bowls and the lengths and the areas he hits.
“Let’s not forget he’s still very inexperienced in terms of Test cricket so there is plenty more to come from him because he is so skilful and picks things up quickly.
“I don’t think I’ve seen a more talented bowler in my time. It’s great to have him on your team.”
Stokes had a bumper Ashes of his own, hitting 441 runs – the we get those and Toronto win they are in. We are still in dialogue with the RFL and it’s important we get those well before promotion is determined on the pitch.”
Elstone confirmed the Wolfpack won’t take up their £2million Super League allowance from the TV contract if they win promotion. But Super League want guarantees they have enough finances to compete in the top flight without it. most by an England player – plus taking eight wickets despite a sore shoulder.
And if anyone epitomised the character of this England side it was Stokes, who took Joe Root’s men from no-hope to victory at Headingley and ensured the Ashes series would end all square.
“It hasn’t all been plain sailing because we had to dig ourselves out of a hole in the World Cup and then we had to scrap until the very last to get that trophy, but we got it,” added Stokes (top, right with Archer).
“The same in the Ashes where we had to fight all the way to the end to get the draw. But we got it and that is something we can be so proud of.
“When things got tough, we didn’t crumble, we stood tall to the end.
“All I wanted to do was have an impact in as many games as possible and help England win as many matches as possible.” Matches ........... 4 Overs ............ 156 Maidens ......... 34 Runs ............ 446 Wickets .......... 22 BBI .............. 6-45 BBM ........... 8-85 Average .... 20.27 Economy .... 2.85 Strike rate..42.5 5 wickets ......... 2 Matches ........... 5 Overs ............. 211 Maidens .......... 61 Runs ............ 569 Wickets .......... 29 BBI .............. 4-32 BBM ........... 7-103 Average ..... 19.62 Economy .... 2.69 Strike rate .. 43.6 5 wickets ......... 0 BRITAIN face a tough test in the inaugural ATP Cup tournament in Australia in January, having been drawn in the same group as Roger Federer’s Switzerland, and Belgium.
Britain only made it into the 24-team event by virtue of Andy Murray’s protected ranking of world No.2, which the Scot (above) has been afforded in his comeback from two hip operations that have kept him off the singles court for most of the past two years. But the draw for the £12.02million, three-city ATP season-opening tournament could have been kinder for the British. Aside from drawing Switzerland, Group C will also have a Belgian team likely to include World No.14 David Goffin.