Ashes 2019: "England can’t just rely on Jofra Archer to beat Australia," says Paul Collingwood

The 24-year-old will make his Test debut at Lord's in the second Ashes Test.

Jofra Archer is all set to make his Test debut at Lord's | Getty Images

Hosts England took a beating from Australia in the first Ashes Test and are hoping to turn things around with the inclusion of their World Cup hero Jofra Archer. However, England assistant coach Paul Collingwood has alerted the camp to not put too much pressure on the youngster and expect him to beat the Aussies single-handedly.

England Test cricketer James Anderson could bowl only 4 overs in the first Test and has been a victim to a hamstring injury. As a result, Archer got this opportunity to come in for the Lord’s Test and make his debut.

The former England cricketer and now coach Paul Collingwood has kept his eyes open and said that Archer won’t be the perfect solution for the mighty Aussies. In fact, Archer does not change anything but adds to what they already have.

BBC quoted Collingwood saying, “We can’t say ‘look Jofra, you are coming in to answer all the questions Australia are asking’. He is going to add what we have already. We have got a very good seam attack and he gives us different options.

He does have the confidence and X-factor about him but I don’t want the team to rely on a young lad coming in and expecting him to beat the Aussies. It doesn’t work like that,” he added.

The Caribbean born 24-year-old is certainly one of the most exciting cricketers in today’s age and the fact that England Cricket Board made changes to their rules for including him in the World Cup squad adds value to it. The pacer has impressed in ODIs and it will be the perfect time for him to make his Test debut and help his side stop the Aussies.

Archer said, “What I would say is don’t expect any miracles, firstly! Hopefully, I’m gonna make my debut sooner rather than later and I’ll come in and do what I can. I can’t work miracles - I’ll try to, but I don’t think that’s how it might pan out. I’ll try my best and I can only give my best.

The second Ashes Test will commence on 14th August at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

(With IANS inputs)

 
 

By Sameer Deodhar - 13 Aug, 2019

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