England would be silly to overlook Archer, says Hobart coach

Barbadian fast bowler Jofra Archer.
Barbadian fast bowler Jofra Archer.

MELBOURNE, Australia, CMC – Hobart Hurricanes head coach Adam Griffith has labelled Barbadian fast bowling sensation, Jofra Archer, as a match-winner and believes England would be “silly” not to pick him for the ICC World Cup at home next May.

The 23-year-old Archer has emerged as one of the most exciting young players over the last two years, due largely to his exploits for English county Sussex, Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League and Rajasthan Royals in the Indian premier League.

He qualifies to represent England through his father and recently had his chances of eligibility fast-tracked when the England and Wales Cricket Board relaxed their eligibility criteria last month.

“He’s got the talent [to play Test cricket], no doubt. We’ve seen what he can do in white ball (cricket). I think he’ll definitely play a role for them in the World Cup – they’d be silly if he didn’t,” said Griffith.

“He’s on record that Test cricket is something he wants to play, he sees it as the pinnacle of what he can do.

“He’s a super talent … he’s hyper competitive. He wins games of cricket, so I think they’ll be looking at him.”

Archer played for West Indies Under-19s but has turned his back on representing the senior side to focus on an England call-up. He has been living in England since age 18, attempting to satisfy the eligibility requirements.

When the ECB reduced their stipulation from a seven-year wait to require persons to be resident 210 days a year in the country for three years, it served as an immediate boost for Acher’s World Cup chances.

Sussex said he was likely to qualify at some point in March next year, with the World Cup bowling off May 30.

Archer said earlier this month though he was thrilled by the prospect of representing England, he was not getting ahead of himself.

“I’m a bit excited. However, that doesn’t guarantee I’ll be selected this year or for anything upcoming as yet,” he said.

“If it happens, it happens, but I don’t want to think too far down the line. I’ve still got lots of cricket to play even before then, so it makes no sense dwelling on that.”

Already this year, Archer has been a stand-out for Hobart with five wickets in two matches as the franchise has made an unbeaten start to their campaign.