Jofra Archer is a competitive cricketer: Jason Gillespie

Former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie said that despite not fitting in to the typical fast bowler’s stereotype of being fiery and aggressive, possessing a laid-back appearance instead, Jofra Archer should not be mistaken for a Cricketer who is indifferent towards the game.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Gillespie said the following, “Jofra could be absolutely anything, there’s no doubt about that. Where sometimes people question is that he has a very laidback demeanour and that can hide a real competitiveness.”
He further added, “We can’t just look at appearances and assume players aren’t committed or don’t care.”

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Gillespie mentioned another example of such a player from his own playing days, as he said that his national teammate Paul Reiffel had similar traits.
“I remember playing cricket with Paul Reiffel [for Australia] – he may have been laidback on the field but was one of the most competitive players I ever played with or against.” He said.

Jofra Archer had a phenomenal rise to international cricket stardom. Archer bowled the crucial super over as England overcame New Zealand to be crowned world champions for the first time at Lord’s last summer.

The Sydney born fast bowler with 259 Test wickets recalled how Archer used to spend his spare time during last year’s World Cup, visiting the county and spending time with his Sussex teammates.
“I remember during the World Cup when he had a couple of days off he would come in to see the lads in his Sussex kit. He would sometimes have a little bat or bowl and just be around the boys. He is a loyal young man. He feels the club gave him an opportunity and wants to repay that faith.”

On being asked about his future in the Club, the current Sussex coach said, “I don’t think we will see much of him in the years to come [through his England commitments] but I think he is a terrific lad.”

Archer had an absolutely phenomenal 2019 for England, after making his International debut against Ireland in May, he was selected in the World Cup squad despite not being a part of the preliminary list of players. Archer went on to take 20 wickets in 11 matches, bowling England to World Cup glory in the final by defending 15 runs in the Super Over against James Neesham and Martin Guptill. Archer was then named in the Test squad for the Ashes series, which were to start from the 1st of August. Archer missed out the 1st Test due to rehabilitation from injury. He made his Test debut the following game, trapping Cameron Bancroft in front of the stumps to achieve his first Test wicket. His first five wicket haul came in the following Test match, as he picked up 6 wickets for 45 runs, skittling Australia out for 179. He ended up taking 22 wickets in the Ashes. He was subsequently named as one of Wisden’s 5 Cricketers of the year due to his stellar performance.