England star all-rounder Ben Stokes has effusively praised promising young all-rounder Jofra Archer. The duo is concurrently partaking in the IPL 2019 for its franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR).
The 24-year-old pacer Archer has made it to IPL, in the eleventh edition. So far, in 17 matches, he has bagged 22 wickets. In the ongoing twelfth edition of the IPL, Archer has played seven games to bag seven scalps.
Stokes reiterated Archer is the ‘naturally gifted’ bowler.
“Jofra makes any team better. He is the most naturally gifted bowler I’ve seen. And I don’t think he realises how good he is,” Stokes said on The Doosra podcast.
Meanwhile, Archer has been impressive in the shortest version of the game which further saw him partaking in the English County side Sussex.
In addition, Archer is expected to take on Pakistan in May following the relaxation in the citizenship rules.
However, while praising Archer’s skills, Stokes has taken by surprise when he revealed Archer could do anything which looks pretty sensation, to say the least.
“Some of the things he can do at the click of a finger are just ‘wow’ – it’s pretty special to watch. You ask him to do something and he nails it straight away,” Stokes added.
With 2019 World Cup kicking-off on May 30 in London, Stokes revealed it is the high-time for his team. Eoin Morgan-led England will kick-off their campaign against South Africa at Kennington Oval.
He added Archer adds plenty to the skills.
Stokes reiterated that England and Wales Cricket Board (RCB) would find it tough at the same time while hinting at the hosts World Cup squad.
“To have somebody at the pace he bowls and the skills he has… the selectors are going to be scratching their heads and it’s a great time to be an England fan and an England player. But it’s a great position to be in as an England team when you’ve got a player with the skill level Jofra’s got,” Stokes maintained.
Meanwhile, ranked No.1 ODI team England will enter the ODI showpiece as favourites. Stokes believes it adds to the confidence.
In conclusion, the three-time finalists England will be keen to lift their maiden ICC title at home, this summer.