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James Anderson: Jofra Archer’s X factor can light up Ashes

by Wisden Staff 3 minute read

James Anderson says he sees no reason why Jofra Archer cannot replicate his World Cup impact in this summer’s Ashes series.

England’s new paceman was among the wickets again in the shock defeat to Sri Lanka, figures of 3-52 taking him joint-top of the list of leading wicket-takers at the tournament.

Archer had already made a worldwide name for himself in franchise cricket but, according to England’s most successful seamer, his talents are not limited to white-ball formats.

“Someone who’s got that pace, that ability and that X factor, I think can do damage in any form of the game,” Anderson told talkSPORT. “So I’m sure the selectors are taking him into consideration.

“There’s an intimidation factor with him. If you see someone in the other team with the ability to bowl at 95mph, and move the ball in the air, that’s an intimidating thing to turn up to the ground and see.

“I went to the England vs Pakistan game at Southampton [a World Cup warm-up in which Archer did not play] and there were jeers in the crowd when his name wasn’t read out. So he puts bums on seats. People want to go and watch someone like him.”

Anderson’s view of Archer echoes Eoin Morgan’s description of Jason Roy, another ODI fixture hoping to be involved when the Test series against Australia begins at Edgbaston on August 1.

“The way he’s played in the one-day side for the last few years, I’m sure he’s being thought about,” Anderson said of the destructive opening batsman. “The way Test cricket is going, having that attacking mentality and ability at the top of the order is something most teams want.”

 

 

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