Wood battles Arch rival

PACE STARS FACING SHOOT-OUT

MARK WOOD says the threat of Jofra Archer has made the England bowlers raise their

game.

But after delivering an impressive personal performance in their 26-run defeat on Friday, Wood’s stock is steadily on the rise at just the right time.

In order for Archer to be included in England’s World Cup plans someone in the current squad in the Caribbean will have to miss out, and Wood is doing everything he can to make sure it isn’t him.

“I am one of the guys under threat, but I would not say that night and day I am worried about Archer’s role,” said Wood who took 1-38 in Bridgetown.

“He is a world-class performer but I’m just going to continue with this bit of confidence and half-decent form to push my own case. “As I say, he is a world-class player and I’d be stupid to think that if I didn’t put in the hard yards that my place wouldn’t be up for grabs because he bowls quick as well, so we’ll see what happens there.

“I thought I bowled well up-top in the first one-dayer and then came back and got Chris Gayle. In this second game it was nice to come back and have a bit of reverse swing to play with, which is a big favourite of mine.

“The killer was when the ball started reversing. That is the gamechanger.

“It is all well and good bowling quick but if it doesn’t move then batters these days are pretty good and can put you away.”

A hugely-popular member of the squad, Wood is starting to get the rewards that his talent has long suggested he might, but like any bowler worth his salt he is utterly motivated by wickets.

He had been desperate to claim a maiden five-for in Test cricket which he achieved in St Lucia, but now he wants some similar numbers in the coloured kit too.

“I’d have liked a few more wickets but all trip I feel like I’ve had decent rhythm. If I keep doing the right things more wickets will come,” he added.

“I am clear in my role. But at the same time I don’t think I have fulfilled the role as well as I would like to.

“I think my wickets to game ratio is still down, so I’d like to improve that.”