• ‘Pace makes batters do funny things’

    England fast bowler Jofra Archer is confident of withstanding the extended demands of Test cricket.

    Archer has played one T20I and 14 ODIs and was central to England’s title-winning World Cup campaign earlier this year. He will debut in the longest format of the international game on Wednesday, as a replacement for the injured James Anderson.

    ‘I’m probably more ready than I’ve ever been. I personally believe in Test cricket you get a lot more opportunities to redeem yourself. In 50-over cricket if you don’t have a good 10 overs, that’s it – you’ve got to wait till the next game. But you have ample chances to do it in a red-ball game,’ said Archer, ahead of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s in London.

    The pace generated by the Barbados-born right-armer was particularly evident during the World Cup. He hit Australian Alex Carey and South African Hashim Amla’s helmet with sharp speed complemented by steep bounce.

    ‘You don’t always set out to hit the batter. It could be a wicket-taking ball and a dot ball as well. If it hits them, with the concussion rules now you don’t want to cause someone to miss a few games or be out for a few weeks. Equally, it is good to know you are quick enough for people to fear you a bit,’ he added.

    ‘Pace makes batters do funny things. It may make him play a shot he is not accustomed to. He may be a bit late on the ball, so, if you have the batter overthinking, then you are in a good place.’

    Photo: Getty Images

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    SA CRICKET