Jofra Archer continued his pre-Ashes preparation for England with a magnificent spell with the ball.
However, despite this, England suffered yet another disaster with the bat in hand.
England will be hoping Jofra Archer is fit and ready for what promises to be a pulsating Ashes series down under.
Jofra Archer Shines in Pre-Ashes Warmup
A lot has been made of England’s lack of pace in their bowling attack. This is due to consistent injuries to premier fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood. The pair have missed several games over the years through injury. Finally, Archer is fit enough to play Test cricket following a four-year absence with a series of elbow and back injuries.
Since his return, Jofra Archer has impressed with crucial wickets against India. Meanwhile, England is carefully managing his return to the longer format of the game. Having missed the first ODI against the Kiwis to manage his workload, Archer impressed in the second game. A return of 3-23 from his ten overs with four maidens highlighted the seamers’ importance. High pace and accuracy throughout his bowling spell, Archer was the only seamer who exerted any pressure on the Kiwis. He was rewarded with the wickets of Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham, and Michael Bracewell.
Meanwhile, with Archer impressing on his first outing this winter tour, Ben Stokes will be hoping the Sussex bowler can fire on all cylinders in Australia. One reason why the Three Lions are pinning their hopes on Archer is that conditions in Australia tend to favour pace bowlers. With the pace of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, England will be looking to attack the Aussies with hostile and aggressive spells from both ends.
England’s Batters Fail Yet Again Against New Zealand
England have billed the New Zealand ODI series as a chance for their Test batsmen to get some game practice ahead of the Ashes next month. However, that hasn’t gone quite to plan for the Three Lions. Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, and Joe Root have all failed to build any momentum. Also, this winter could prove decisive for the future of Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum.
New Zealand have thoroughly dominated proceedings with Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson, and the bowlers leading the way. In both games, the Kiwis have skittled England’s fragile batting order and made light work of the chase. In the second ODI, New Zealand reached their target with 101 deliveries remaining in their innings.
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