England Test skipper Joe Root stated that Jofra Archer could turn out to be the X factor for England as they set to start their World Cup campaign on 30th May against South Africa. Jofra Archer became eligible for England selection only in March and was drafted into the 15 member England World Cup squad. The Barbados born all-rounder has only played 3 ODI’s for England and is expected to play a major role for them in the showpiece event.
Archer was not part of the preliminary World Cup squad. Hence it was David Willey who missed out on his spot in favour of Jofra Archer. He was gutted and so he should be. However, he didn’t do anything wrong to be kept out of the squad but given the skills of Archer, he was an automatic choice.
“He’s obviously got that X-factor,” Root told Sky Sports News. “You watch him play in the IPL, you watch the effect he’s had on some of those games, high-pressure games and he’s performed in that environment and thrived in it.
“He’s only played a couple of games for us in international cricket and he’s right at the start of his career but he has the ability to change games, he brings something different to our attack, which I think is a real bonus. It’s a great, strong addition to the squad.”
Joe Root was further asked whether Archer had those abilities to break into the Test squad for the Ashes slated to be played just after the World Cup, Joe Root said that he will definitely offer something very different and the selectors might be eager to pick him straightaway. “He obviously would offer something different to the group of players we’ve got currently.
“I think it’s very important throughout this next period, the selectors, in particular, watching county cricket, watching how guys go throughout the World Cup, guys within this World Cup squad – not just Jofra but other players as well – have got an opportunity to impress and make sure that they’re up for contention when those Ashes squads are selected.