• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Facing Him In The Nets Ben Stokes Admits Jofra Archers Pace Was A Wake Up Call

"Facing Him In The Nets" Ben Stokes Admits Jofra Archer’s Pace Was A Wake-Up Call

Jatin

Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes [Source: @debasissen, @techsmart484675/x.com] Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes [Source: @debasissen, @techsmart484675/x.com] 

It’s been a while since we saw Jofra Archer with a red ball in hand, but just a few thunderbolts in the nets were enough to shake up the English camp, literally and figuratively. The 29-year-old quick, known for his calm face and fiery pace, is inching closer to a long-awaited Test comeback.

Ben Stokes Left Awestruck by Jofra Archer’s Swing And Speed

And even though he won’t be part of the playing XI for the second Test at Edgbaston, the buzz around his return is already off the charts.

England have decided to go unchanged for the second Test against India, starting July 2 at Edgbaston. That means Archer sits out for now, but he is very much part of the setup.

Skipper Ben Stokes, fresh off leading his team to a record-breaking 371-run chase at Headingley, knows exactly what having Archer around means for the side.

"I think it is important for Jof to be around the group this week as the last time he was in a Test dressing room it was under a different regime,” Stokes said ahead of the 2nd Test. “Hopefully we will see him play a part in this series going forward so time spent with other individuals is very important, not just the performances out on the field.”

The Net Session That Rattled Stokes

Ben Stokes isn’t usually one to get caught off guard, but his fiery bowling in the nets from Archer had him on his toes.

"Facing him in the nets, he got the ball swinging quite nicely. It was effortless pace. It has been a while since I faced him so it was a wake-up call for me," he revealed.

That is the thing with Jofra, batters don’t see it coming until it’s already zipped past them. And even in training, he is making his presence felt.

Whether it’s a full stadium or a training ground, the moment Archer picks up the ball, the mood changes. Stokes said it best:

“When he walks out for England and has the ball in his hand, the whole atmosphere of the game changes regardless of the situation.”

Jofra Archer missed Monday’s training due to a family emergency but returned the next day. While many expected him to return to County cricket with Sussex to get game-time, England have decided to keep him around the national camp, a sign that they are managing his return very carefully.

England’s Pace Unit Holds Steady For Now

With Archer not quite ready yet, England will once again go with the pace trio of Chris Woakes, Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse alongside skipper Stokes. 

But all eyes will be on Lord’s, where the third Test kicks off from July 10, and where Jofra Archer could finally make his red-ball return after four long years.