Ashes 2019: “He’s Come in and Made a Massive Impact:” Joe Root on Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer, the name has been in the news for not only his Twitter predictions but also for his deadly bouncers. Where his Twitter reactions made him a sensation over the internet, his bouncers made him a great threat to the opponents. He has made his debut during the second Ashes Test at Lord’s. However, captain Joe Root has backed Jofra Archer for his wonderful performance.

The second Test ended in a draw where Australia held six wickets down on the final day. Jofra Archer bowled with accurate pace and bounce in the whole Test where the most remarkable thing took place when his bouncer hit Steve Smith in his neck that left Smith fell down on the ground and retired hurt after scoring 80.

Archer claimed 2 for 59 and 3 for 32 in the first and second innings respectively and showed great control and patience.

“He’s come in and made a massive impact,” said Joe Root. “He’s added a different dynamic to our bowling group and given Australia something different to think about.”

“It’s pleasing to see someone come in on Test debut, shake up things and live up to the hype – even some of the hype he put on himself. It makes for a very interesting last three games. He makes things happen with such a unique action and natural pace, which is always in the game on any surface. That with the skill of the others, makes for a tasty combo,” he told.

“Things can change very quickly in sport. At the start of the week we wanted a big response and we have definitely done that. It felt like we put them under huge pressure. It shows how much we’re in this series,” added Root.

Even Ben Stokes also praised Archer for his wonderful bowling.

Stokes told the BBC, “I am not sure there will be a better debut in terms of announcing yourself. The spell [to Smith on day four] was incredible to watch. We were laughing he was going to be top of the rankings after one Test. We are very lucky he is in our team. He gives you an extra dimension.”

However, Steve Smith’s injury didn’t go well with England as well. Joe Root shared that was a “horrible moment”.

“I couldn’t believe that he managed to come back out and play, desperate to do well for Australia and his teammates. All of us in the dressing room want to wish him a speedy recovery. It was not a nice moment,” shared Root.

However, Root hoped to see Smith in the next test as well which will begin from August 22. “We’ll plan for him to be ready to play and figure out ways to get him out.”