Jofra Archer willing to wait for England call-up after getting eligibility boost

Sport360 staff 18:55 01/12/2018
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  • Sussex all-rounder Jofra Archer (c).

    New rules approved by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) might have improved Jofra Archer’s chances of England selection sooner than expected, but the all-rounder is not getting too far ahead of himself.

    Following a new set of qualification rules passed by the ECB, Barbados-born Archer could be eligible for England selection and hence the 2019 ICC World Cup.

    Archer, who holds a British passport, had been hoping to qualify for England sometime in 2022 under previous rules. He has represented Sussex in the County Championship since moving from Barbados.

    However, with the residency period – for England selection – decreased from seven to three years with effect from January 1, 2019, Archer could qualify for England soon. Even so, the 23-year-old is willing to wait for his chances.

    “I’m a bit excited, however that doesn’t guarantee I’ll be selected this year or for anything upcoming as yet,” Archer told ESPNcricinfo on the sidelines of the ongoing T10 League in the UAE.

    “If it happens, it happens, but I don’t want to think too far down the line. I’ve still got lots of cricket to play even before then so it makes no sense dwelling on that.”

    Archer has already become a big draw in franchise T20 leagues.

    Archer has already become a big draw in franchise T20 leagues.

    Blessed with searing pace and skillful variations, Archer would be a handy pick for England in the 2019 World Cup on home soil but he accepts it’s a challenge to break into the No1 ranked side.

    “England are the No1 team in the world and even if I am in the squad and not the team I think it would be a great experience to be around all those players,” he said.

    “I just try not to think about it too much. England are doing really well in the Tests and ODIs, they’re doing well in everything and I think it will be hard to squeeze my way into the team.”

    In his nascent career, Archer has already become a big draw in T20 leagues around the globe and has had stints in the IPL and Big Bash League (BBL). He is currently representing the Sindhis in the second edition of the T10 League.

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