Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are creating wickets and doubt in batsmen’s minds through sheer pace, according to England’s match-winner Jos Buttler.
Australia’s current tour of England is yet to feature a single showdown between Archer and Steve Smith, who suffered a delayed concussion during last year’s Ashes after being struck on the neck by the speed demon at Lord’s.
Smith is yet to face a delivery from Archer in the Twenty20 series, having scored 10 and 18 during his side’s losses in Southampton.
The express paceman, who clocked 154kph with one delivery, has nonetheless proven pivotal in the series, claiming the key scalp of David Warner on both occasions.
Archer’s scything delivery on an awkward length dismissed Warner for a third-ball duck in the second T20, drawing an audible “Jesus!” from the batsman.
Warner unsuccessfully reviewed, believing the ball didn’t clip his glove before hitting the arm and soaring to Buttler, before Archer finished the day’s opening over with three slips in place.
The tourists took 18 runs off the final over of their innings, when Archer bowled three wides, but his figures after three overs were 1-14.
Wood finished England’s most economical bowler, logging a tidy 1-25 from his four overs.
“From the first over Jofra set the tone brilliantly, picking up a big wicket,” Buttler said after his unbeaten 77.
“As an opening batsman the last person you want to face first up is Jofra Archer with a brand new ball.
“Pace can create wickets. It creates doubt as a batsman and those two guys have pace in abundance.
“It’s a nice thing to have as a side, those two steaming in, and I’ll try and steer clear of them in the nets.”
England captain Eoin Morgan suggested he had never seen Archer bowl faster this year.
Gee
Roar Rookie
He averages 31 in tests now, Siddle averaged 30. Bring on The Ashes.
Paul
Roar Guru
I wonder if Archer isn't going to be a white ball specialist? It's obviously where the money is and only bowling short spells would keep him in the game far longer I'd imagine, than if he kept playing Tests as well as white ball cricket. I also wonder if he becomes quickly disinterested if he doesn't get wickets. He strikes early and often in white ball cricket but he's got to wait more than 10 overs to take wickets in Tests. Might need Jimmy & Stewie to teach him about patience.
Whinging Pom
Guest
It helps when he only has to bowl four overs in the day
BarmyFarmer
Roar Rookie
As an England fan it's so odd to watch. Archer has ambled in during the Pakistan series and bowled 85-88mph (I know it's a test match so longer spells). But he's looked grumpy, uninterested and laboursome for nearly the whole summer. Suddenly he faces the aussies with a white ball and is sprinting in and bowling rockets again. Question for England is how they keep him happy and motivated in the less inspiring games, maybe they need his best mate Chris Jordan as 12th man in every match.