Jofra Archer still has a lot of catching up to do in Test cricket: Joe Root

England’s pugnacious fast bowler Jofra Archer announced his arrival in international cricket in a grand fashion after he weaved the magic with the ball in England’s maiden World Cup triumph. He was one of the bowlers who sprinkled stardust all over the places accounting for 20 scalps with his subtle bowling variations of good line and length. Archer carried out the same impetus in the Ashes series picking 22 wickets at an incredible average of 20.27.

Just as when everything was going smoothly for him, there came a dip in his bowling performance in New Zealand. He couldn’t take the bull by the horns in the unfamiliar conditions and his performance was short of an effect as he took just two wickets in two Tests. In the wake of his flop shows, veteran Stuart Broad chipped in with words of wisdom for Archer as he suggested him to remain calm and enjoy the ride.

Meanwhile, England captain Joe Root also spoke about Jofra Archer and wanted him to keep working hard no matter how worse the end result is. “Jofra has found out that Test cricket is hard, that you have to keep backing it up and that you can sometimes bowl extremely well and get no reward,” Joe Root told Sky Sports Cricket after his side’s 1-0 series defeat.

While Jofra Archer couldn’t redeem some dignity with the ball, his sub-standard performance caused his fans some angst and scepticism. The paceman still has a lot of catching up to do to overcome the challenges. Root went on to add saying that Archer still has a lot to learn in Test cricket.  “I said at the start of the tour that there is a big expectation on him at the start of his career and that he still has a lot of learning to do,” the England skipper added.

Joe Root believes Jofra Archer can get back on track

Needless to say, Joe Root is pretty much confident that Jofra Archer would make a rebound in the times to come. Root recognised him as a ‘fantastic talent’ and has no doubts that he is going to be the star player for England in the longest format of the game. He also praised Archer for giving absolutely everything in the Test series in New Zealand.

“One thing for certain is that he is a fantastic talent and there is no doubt he is going to contribute massively for England in Test cricket. He has to want to learn and stay resilient mentally and physically as these conditions can wear you down. I expect him to bounce back strongly and he is a fast learner – he has proven that in domestic cricket around the world in franchise tournaments.

“Hopefully, we see him back at his best soon. He showed a great amount of variety in trying to take wickets and produce opportunities [in this series]. He bowled with no front arm, bowled his knuckleballs, a couple of leg-cutters, a quick bouncer every now and again. It shows he’s got all the skills that are there, it’s now just putting it all together. I’m sure he’ll learn very quickly,” Root signed off.