India captain Kohli marks down Archer as potential X-factor in the tournament

Jofra Archer has received the seal of approval from cricket’s biggest global star, India ca pt ainViratK oh li hai ling the England newcomer as a potential World Cup X factor.

Archer has only played three one - day internationals, and taken three wickets, but has bowled with sufficient pace and verve to cause a major stir ahead of the tournament.

Prior to qualifying for England the Barbados-born quick made waves in Twenty20 domestic circuit, catching Kohli’s eye in the Indian Premier League.

Archer, pictured, has named Kohli as one of the wickets he most wants to take and the respect is mutual .“If Jo fr a said that it’s a big compliment as he himself is a world-class bowl er ,” said Kohli. “I think he’s going to be the X factor because he has all the skill sets and he’s very different from anyone else.

“He’s played all round the world and done well so there’s a good reason why he’s been fast-tracked into playing for England in a tournament like the World Cup. He can generate a lot of pace which can be intimidating and you don’t expect that from his run-up. He’s a great athlete and the England team will be delighted to have him. He will be exciting to watch.”

K oh li has noted the growing talk around the possibility of a 500 -run innings and England’ s belief that they can raise their current world record mark of 481. “They seem to be obsessed with getting to 500 before anyone else,” he said. “They smash it from ball one and for the full 50 overs.”