Jason Gillespie calls Jofra Archer a "terrific lad"; lauds his competitive spirit

Archer was recently named as one of Wisden's five cricketers of the year.

Jofra has a wonderful summer last year | Getty Images

Former Australian speedster and former Sussex coach Jason Gillespie heaped praise on England’s young pace sensation Jofra Archer, saying he is a “terrific lad who could be absolutely anything”.

The Aussie also dismissed the talks that Archer has a very laidback demeanor by saying you can never judge a player on just the basis of his appearance and that couldn’t certainly question the youngster’s passion and competitive approach towards the game.

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Recently, Archer was named as one of Wisden's five cricketers of the year for his outstanding show with the ball in the World Cup 2019 and the Ashes series at home.

Gillespie told Sky Sports, “Jofra could be absolutely anything, there's no doubt about that. Where sometimes people question is that he has a very laidback demeanor and that can hide real competitiveness. We can't just look at appearances and assume players aren't committed or don't care.”

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He continued, “I remember playing cricket with Paul Reiffel [for Australia] - he may have been laidback on the field but was one of the most competitive players I ever played with or against. I remember during the World Cup when he had a couple of days off he would come in to see the lads in his Sussex kit. He would sometimes have a little bat or bowl and just be around the boys.”

Gillespie signed off by saying, “He is a loyal young man. He feels the club gave him an opportunity and wants to repay that faith. I don't think we will see much of him in the years to come [through his England commitments] but I think he is a terrific lad.”

(With Sky Sports Inputs)

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 16 Apr, 2020

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