ICC World Cup 2019: Mark Wood Waiting to Forge Bowling Partnership with Jofra Archer in Showpiece Event
May 18, 2019 at 10:21 AM
English fast bowler Mark Wood will be eager to share the new ball with Jofra Archer as hosts England look to win their first ever World Cup title. In all likelihood, the partnership of Mark Wood and Jofra Archer with the ball in hand might prove to be a lethal one for the home team. They will definitely start the showpiece event as one of the prime contenders of the tournament.
They are currently playing Pakistan in a 5 match ODI series. After 3 matches, England is leading the series 2-0 despite one of the matches getting washed out. England managed to win both the matches despite conceding over 350 runs on both occasions. After recovering from a long-standing ankle injury, Mark Wood is expected to be back in national colours and might play a pivotal role for England in the upcoming tournament.
Mark Wood has the ability to consistently clock more than 95 m/hr. Meanwhile, Jofra Archer’s speed has been on the higher side as well. So far he has topped with a speed of 90 m/hr ever since making his international debut last month. Mark Wood spoke on the plans he will be chalking out with Jofra Archer if they are indeed the bowling partners, it could be a good bet for England. Meanwhile, Jofra Archer is blessed with a simple action as he runs and delivers the ball quite naturally.
“He’s just so natural the way he runs in, just lets it fly. I couldn’t believe how far Jos (Buttler, wicket-keeper) stood back to him at The Oval,” said Mark Wood. I have to put every ounce of effort I’ve got to bowl fast and he seems to do it easily, which is a bit frustrating.
“It’s going to be exciting when I get a go at the other end, they’ll probably think I’m bowling 70 mph or something.” Meanwhile, there are quite a few players who have broken into the English side in the recent past. Jos Buttler is expected to be the vice-captain of England during the showpiece event.
“Obviously, Eoin’s the leader on the field and the main guy in the dressing room,” said Mark Wood. “It’s a big loss because he’s our captain, our leader, but I’m sure Jos can do just as well.
“Jos still has a wealth of experience so it’s great to have him. The only difference is rather than the captain coming up to you from extra cover, the wicket-keeper will be running all the way down the wicket and back so we’ll have to watch that over rate again.”