The one man Joe Root thinks ‘was born’ to win England the Ashes ahead of third Test
JOFRA ARCHER “was born” for the big occasions, like helping England to beat Australia in the Ashes this summer, according to captain Joe Root, as both teams prepare for the third Test at Headingley today.
Ashes: Joe Root 'excited' by potential Jofra Archer debut
Jofra Archer could be the difference for England heading into the third Ashes Test against Australia, claimed captain Joe Root.
The World Cup hero “was born” for the big occasions, and continues to impress Root.
England will be relying on Archer to keep putting Australia under pressure, as they cannot afford to lose another Test.
Heading into the third Test at 1-0 down, Australia can retain the Ashes by winning just once more, while England need to win at least twice to reclaim the urn.
He’s one of those guys who seems to be born for these occasions
“He’s one of those guys who seems to be born for these occasions,” said Root.
“Once you’ve a super over in a World Cup final in your back pocket, it makes everything a bit easier.
“He just loved everything about last week. You can see that in conversations with him saying let’s have a look in a 3-over spell here; give it everything. Two overs in he wants four more.
“He wants to get out there, be a part of it and make things happen. It’s a very impressive trait for a young man to have.”
The 24-year-old was bowling up to 96mph at Lord’s last week, making him one of the fastest bowlers in the world.
Australia’s talisman, Steve Smith, felt the full force of an Archer delivery in the second Test, when he took a blow to the neck.
Smith won’t be featuring at Headingley as he recovers from concussion sustained as a result.
Root insists England must take the opportunity to capitalise on Smith’s absence, and draw the series at 1-1.
The 24-year-old was bowling up to 96mph at Lord’s last week, making him one of the fastest bowlers in the world.
Australia’s talisman, Steve Smith, felt the full force of an Archer delivery in the second Test, when he took a blow to the neck.
Smith won’t be featuring at Headingley as he recovers from concussion sustained as a result.
Root insists England must take the opportunity to capitalise on Smith’s absence, and draw the series at 1-1.