Derek Pringle outlines the skillset that makes England’s newly qualified paceman a must for selection in the World Cup squad.
Call off the audition, JofraArcher has got the part – a lead role in England’sWorld Cup campaign.What clinched it was his four overs in Wednesday’s rained-off game against Pakistan at the Oval.
Not since the great West Indies bowling attacks of the Eighties have I seen such athletic and effortless pace allied to such complete control. True, it was a nice grassy pitch to bowl on, but true class is obvious even in such helpful conditions.
Ignore the fact that Archer has not played much 50-over cricket or whether he deserves to infiltrate such a closeknit project as England’s World Cup squad, these are the concerns of the over-cautious. Top-level sport is about meritocracy and, for me, Archer offers more, potentially, than any England pace bowler currently playing except experience.
Those four overs against Pakistan at the Kia Oval, where his pace ranged from 88-93mph, cost just six runs. He even took the wicket of Fakhar Zaman, caught at second slip by Joe Root, the fielder juggling the ball as if it was freshly roasted chestnut and too hot to handle on such a cold day. Yet, Archer beat the bat often in those 24 balls and could easily have had more.
Anyone watching cannot fail to have been impressed. There have been bowlers who have flung it down at 90mph for England before but most, Steve Harmison and Tymal Mills the exceptions, have always strained to reach such velocity.
Such strain usually leads to injury, which in turn dilutes their impact through absence. Yet with Archer, the run-up and action, although wonderfully direct, unfurl so smoothly and naturally that it looks like he might still have top gear in hand.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 10,2019 من The Cricket Paper.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 10,2019 من The Cricket Paper.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.