James Anderson has backed Jofra Archer to become a Test star after helping England’s one-day team win the men’s World Cup for the first time in history.
Archer only became eligible to play for England in March but the Barbados-born fast bowler soon made his mark on international cricket, taking 20 wickets throughout the World Cup.
Just two players – Mitchell Starc and Lockie Ferugson – claimed more scalps than Archer during the tournament and the 24-year-old held his nerve to bowl the super over in an incredible climax to the final against New Zealand.
England are ready to hand Archer his Test debut in the first Ashes clash at Edgbaston and Anderson is confident he can develop into a top player in red-ball cricket.
‘If a young guy comes into the team you try and help them settle, allow them to be comfortable and play in the way they want to play,’ England’s record wicket-taker said.
‘He hasn’t played much international cricket, but he’s played quite a lot of franchise cricket around the world, which has given him good experience and exposure to the best players in high-pressure situations.
‘But still, to come into a World Cup final and deliver under that sort of pressure was amazing to see, especially for such a young guy.
‘That for me just shows he’s got a great future ahead of him.’
Before the 2019 Ashes series starts on August 1, England face Ireland in a one-off Test at Lord’s. Both Anderson and Archer are expected to sit out of the match due to minor injuries.
Anderson, 36, will participate in the ninth Ashes series of his career this summer as England bid to reclaim the urn following the 4-0 defeat to Australia 18 months ago.
‘I just hope that it’s an entertaining series first and foremost for people watching,’ Anderson said. ‘We’ve got a lot to live up to after that World Cup.
‘That’s what both sides want to do – play entertaining, positive cricket. If you asked both sets of players, they will say the Ashes is the pinnacle for them in Test cricket.
‘There’s always some added spice around it, some extra bit of niggle and stuff like that on the field, which is really exciting and makes for good viewing.’
