Former England quick Steven Harmison expressed his opinion on Jofra Archer ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup, claiming that it would be ‘unfair’ to even look at him.
What did Harmison say?
The right-arm fast bowler with 226 wickets under his belt believes that it would be too much to ask of Archer if ECB wants him back ahead of the World Cup in a few months time. Harmison wants the management to slowly ease the MI ace back into the international frame.
“Getting back on the field during a World Cup is just asking too much of somebody who has been out for such a long time. I don’t think it’s fair on him. I think there’s a human element to it. I say this purely from Jofra’s point of view, England shouldn’t even be looking at him.
I think it might be a little bit cruel. I wouldn’t even take him (for the World Cup). I think Jofra needs to find a way back into cricket, possibly away from England, just go and enjoy getting back on the field again,” Harmison offered his opinion on the matter.
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The 123-cap England international also pointed out Jofra’s lack of competitive playing time and how different bowling in a high pressure game is to bowling in the net. He doesn’t want England taking the risk with so much on the line.
“This lad has been through the ringer for such a long time and I think just give him a break and let him ease back into cricket. England have decided they’re going to try and do that and I hope for Jofra’s sake he doesn’t get thrown into the heat of the battle.
It won’t be his elbow this time, it’ll be some other part of his body that breaks down if he’s asking his body to do something it hasn’t done for quite some time, no matter how much training you’ve done.
When you’re in the middle, it’s completely different to bowling in the nets, so I’d like to think England can get through this whole World Cup without him,” the Ashington born fast bowler had to say on the situation.
How essential is Archer for England in the World Cup?
There is a reason everyone around England cricket wants to have Jofra fit and firing for the World Cup 2023. He has pace to burn, with which he can cause carnage even in slightly slower Indian pitches, something England would love to have.
Even a few years ago, there was no one who could replicate Jofra’s skill set in this England lineup and bowl in tandem with Mark Wood. However, the recent emergence of Gus Atkinson, another express fast bowler has alleviated the concern somewhat.
England possessing a plethora of seamers, all of whom offer different threats, means that they can take their time with Archer. However, he would still be a big miss.
