ICC World cUp 2019 | Playing in the IPL has helped me settle quicker into the England team, says Jofra Archer
England bowler Jofra Archer has revealed his experience of becoming a part of the national team and how playing the IPL with some of his teammates made it easier to settle. He went on to describe how the magnitude of the IPL has made him ready to perform on the biggest platform.
24 year old Jofra Archer burst onto the scene after performing consistently wherever he has been given a chance, be it the Big Bash League, the India Premier League or the national team itself. Having been contracted by the Rajasthan Royals, Archer has already shared the dressing room with fellow internationals and senior players Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler.
“It’s been incredibly welcoming and I’ve felt a part of the team straight away. I think it’s helped going into the room where I’ve played IPL cricket with a few guys. I’ve been made to feel like the guys are happy to have me there, so I’m happy,” Archer said, reported IANS.
He went on to praise the Indian T20 league, explaining how the craze for the game in the country makes it different from the other leagues, and hence is widely regarded as the biggest stage in non-international cricket.
“It really has to be the most people I have played in front of. More people than Big Bash, BPL etc. I think it really challenges your skills as there is a lot of pressure and you have a lot of quality players and you can’t take anything for granted,” he pointed.
Having represented his home team, the West Indies at junior level, he had fallen out of favour and a dearth of opportunities made him choose England, but that would mean he would only be eligible to play for them 2022 onwards. However, such is the talent of the man, the ECB relaxed the restrictions which meant that he would be available to play in the upcoming World Cup.
“It seems pretty whirlwind. I had it quite tough when I first arrived here, I took a big chance and you’re not guaranteed that it’ll pay off. With playing for England, I’d set myself for a seven year wait. To be here now, it seems very much worth the wait,” he explained.
With his inclusion in the playing XI seeming a foregone conclusion, Archer seems to have not been affected by the pressure and had a very mature answer when asked about his approach to the game.
“You just got to keep practicing and believe in your abilities and skills. Sometimes it can be the day of the batsman as they are also good players and you have to understand that,” he concluded.
Cricket FootBall Kabaddi
Basketball Hockey
SportsCafe
Comments
Leave a comment0 Comments