The Ashes: Menacing Jofra Archer will bowl England to glory, says Joe Root
JOE ROOT claims menacing Jofra Archer will bowl England to Ashes glory.
Captain Root is unleashing the Aussies’ bogeyman again today to haunt them in the Third Test at Headingley.
And the famous ‘Heeere’s Johnny’ scene in The Shining has nothing on one of his bouncers!
Archer’s spine-chilling Lord’s debut — when he took five wickets and freaked out Australia’s batsmen — has swung momentum England’s way despite being one down in the series.
Root roared: “Jofra is one of those guys who seems to be born for these occasions. I feel a shift in momentum and we are very confident we can win The Ashes.
“We’re in a very good position to square the series, then put pressure on Australia.
“Jofra’s dealing with all the attention very well. He sets up his Fortnite at the hotel and plays. He’s just very relaxed — unfazed by anything.
“Once you’ve got a Super Over in a World Cup final in your back pocket, it makes everything a bit easier. He wants to get out there and make things happen.”
SMITH RELIEF
Root admits the absence of Australia skipper Steve Smith — ruled out with concussion after being struck by Archer — is a huge boost to England.
He added: “If you take his runs out, it looks completely different and we could be sat here 2-0 up.
“We have to capitalise on this opportunity. Although our whole team wish him a speedy recovery.”
Ben Stokes will wear a stem-guard neck protector for the first time today after practising with it in the nets.
Even a player as brave as Stokes is taking no chances after seeing the sickening blow to Smith’s neck.
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Root added: “We know how important it is to look after your health. And you don’t want to let your team-mates down by getting hurt and missing out on the rest of the series.”
England have summoned Surrey batsman Ollie Pope as cover for Jason Roy, who was hit on the head in the nets.
Roy passed a concussion test yesterday and will have another test this morning but Root expects him to be fit.
