In an interview with Jo Harman at Hove on March 17, the day Jofra Archer qualified to represent England, the Barbados-born all-rounder spoke about the struggles of living in England, what it feels like to bowl at 95mph, and how he makes it all look so easy.
This interview originally appeared in issue 18 of Wisden Cricket Monthly. You can buy a copy here.
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Did you study other fast bowlers when you were growing up?
Not really. Actually I started as a keeper and then was a spinner – I used to bowl leg-spin and off- spin. I just played around with a lot of things and eventually found my calling.
When did you realise you wanted to be a fast bowler?
About 15. The school captain at the time, he lives in my neighbourhood, so he knew that I could bowl fast with tape-balls and stuff. One day we had a mix up with transportation and we only had seven players. The fast bowler was late so I ended up opening the bowling. I think I got three-for and I’ve been a fast bowler ever since.
Do you know Jason Holder well?
Yeah, he’s a Bajan boy. I used to use TON [the cricket brand] and he gave me some stickers, a pair of gloves. In Barbados you look after your own. Most of the time!
Has he been on the phone trying to change your mind about playing for England?
No, I got a message last summer. He just asked me if I was available for CPL [Caribbean Premier League] but he knows what I’m trying to do. I don’t think he’ll try to lure me back.
