Match-winning Jofra Archer sets tongues wagging at BBL but reaffirms commitment to England
by Ed Kemp
5 minute read
Ex-pros, commentators and fans were clamouring to claim Jofra Archer as one of their own after the Caribbean-born Sussex all-rounder’s sensational display for Hobart Hurricanes against Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League.
The 22-year-old Bajan quick was instrumental in inflicting a first defeat of the tournament on the Strikers, taking a match-winning 3-15 in his four overs.
A new cult hero for @HurricanesBBL is born! ? #BBL07 pic.twitter.com/OOrEn7kFNR
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 4, 2018
The formidable Strikers line-up took just 10 runs from Archer’s first three overs, before he returned to bowl the crucial final over of the match in which he took one for five with the opposition requiring 13 to win.
In between times, he effected a superb relayed catch on the mid-wicket boundary, acrobatically passing the ball to D’Arcy Short to dismiss the dangerous Colin Ingram off the bowling of fellow Sussex man Tymal Mills.
Jofra Archer, that was your Time to Shine! #BBL07 pic.twitter.com/Z0PuREl6hB
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 4, 2018
Archer, who has a British passport thanks to his English father, has previously stated his intention to pursue an international career for England, and Michael Vaughan was eager to hurry the process along on Thursday morning.
Can someone help get @craig_arch a English residency ASAP please …. Much appreciated ….
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 4, 2018
But, having previously been quoted saying: “I want to play for England,” Archer himself was quick to respond.
I already am ??♂️ https://t.co/qvuh49EcvH
— ?Jofra Archer? (@craig_arch) January 4, 2018
It was painful viewing for West Indies fans, though, as former paceman Tino Best made clear.
We can’t let guys like @craig_arch get away and pick guys like Emrit are u kidding me ??♂️??♂️??♂️??♂️
— Tino95 (@tinobest) January 4, 2018
Srini Mama summed up Archer’s substantial skillset and urged IPL fans to take note.
4-0-15-3 at an economy of 3.75 against the match eco of 9.
Bowls the heavy ball at 145, tonks it a mile down the order.
A powerful athlete, 22-years old.
Bravo, Pollard, Russel varisayil next WI BLOCKBUSTER PACKAGE ready!!
Jeffrey Archer chithi paiyan JOFRA ARCHER. WATCH OUT!
— Srini Mama ? (@SriniMama16) January 4, 2018
It will surely not be long before Archer is seen in an England shirt, but not before he makes a potentially very lucrative trip to India…
