Just another game

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England's Jofra Archer has insisted it will be "just another game of cricket" should the Barbados-born fast bowler face his native West Indies in the World Cup.

With Archer, who only qualified for England earlier this year, taking an impressive three for 29 in a 106-run win over Bangladesh in Cardiff on Saturday, it seems inconceivable, barring injury, that the tournament hosts leave him out of their side for Friday's match against the West Indies in Southampton.

Archer, whose father is English, was effectively lost to the West Indies when he moved to county side Sussex after overlooking the paceman for the Under-19 World Cup four years ago.

"It's just same as the last game, just another game of cricket," said Archer.

"I know them pretty good. I played with a few of the guys at Under-19, so it will be good to actually play against them this time."

Archer's ability to routinely top speeds of 90 mph makes him a hugely valuable asset and that speed was on show when a ball that clean bowled Bangladesh opener Soumya Sarkar flew off the top of the stumps and straight over the boundary without touching the ground at Sophia Gardens.

It was a feat that stirred comparisons with some of the quickest bowlers cricket has known and Archer, asked if he had ever seen anything like it before, replied: "It's probably the first time.

"I've seen it go for six off a helmet before. But this is the first time I've seen it go off the stumps."

Archer is not the only express bowler in England's line-up, with Mark Wood also capable of blistering pace.

Such was their speed in Cardiff, with the wind at their backs, that Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who made an admirable century, rated them the fastest bowlers at the World Cup.

Shakib's assessment may be disputed by the fast bowlers from other teams, but Archer believes his friendly rivalry with Wood can only be of benefit to England as they chase a first men's World Cup title.

"I'm a little bit quicker than him," said Archer.

Daily Pioneer
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