Ashes 2019 | Jofra Archer will change the outlook of fast bowling in modern era, predicts Michael Holding
Impressed with Jofra Archer's unmatched talent, former Windies cricketer Michael Holding has predicted that the Barbados quick will change the face of fast bowling in the contemporary era. Archer, who made his Test debut at Lord's recently, massively dazzled with his extraordinary pace and bounce.
Holding believes that Archer's talent is rare and one that “will change the entire outlook of fast bowling in the modern era”. The World Cup-winning bowler of England made his debut in the second Ashes Test match, at Lord’s, during which he clocked up to speeds of around 96mph and bamboozled the opposition's batsman – including the star batsman Steve Smith.
Archer bowled short balls at Smith repeatedly until one bouncer bowled at 148.7 kph left the batsman concussed on the fourth day of the second Ashes Test. The 24-year-old finished his debut Test with match figures of 5/91 from 44 overs, three of which came on the last day as England pushed for a victory. While people on social media were highly critical of Archer's behaviour following Smith's fall, Holding has come forward to praise the talent of the young fast bowler.
“Pace separates men from boys,” said Holding. “When you have someone with that sort of pace you find out who really wants to play. This man will change the entire outlook of fast bowling in the modern era.
“You see 85mph on the clock – not that I always look at that – but when you see 95mph you know what real pace is. Not a lot of batsmen will want to be going to bed knowing they are getting up the next morning to face that.”
The third Ashes Test will commence on August 22 at Headingley and given Steve Smith is highly unlikely to be available to play, England will have a huge chance to seal victory as Australia still lead the series 1-0.