Jofra Archer has created a 'different-level attitude' in the England dressing room with less than a week till they head to the Caribbean to defend their T20 World Cup crown, according to teammate Chris Jordan.
Archer took two for 28 in England's 23-run second T20 victory against Pakistan at Edgbaston on Saturday, his first international appearance in 438 days following a seemingly endless spell of rehab for his right elbow, which left him feeling like a 'hamster on a wheel'.
Jordan also admitted that Archer's first international wicket since March 2023 had him 'goosebumps' after his teammate and close friend had questioned his future in the sport.
“He was probably waking up some days and thinking it might not happen again,” he stated. “So, bless him, in the last six months I feel like I've seen a shift in his vibe and his mindset and everything. He seemed really happy stepping on the field again. He might not have looked at it, but I bet he was quite nervous. He comes in with the bat, hits a six to get us up to a half-decent total and then does what he does with the ball. For everyone who is a fan of him, it's great to have him back out there.”
Archer's opening over cost 15, but he dismissed Azam Khan with his seventh delivery and Imad Wasim in his penultimate over.
“For him to get the first one out of the way, it gives goosebumps to see him take that wicket,” noted Jordan. “He's phenomenal. To be out of international cricket for so long, to touch 90mph and just look like he never left, is awesome. And he will keep getting better with games. He brings a different-level mood. Every batsman that came out, they were thinking about the bouncer straightaway. That in itself adds a different dynamic to the bowling attack.”
Jordan has long been close to Archer. Both lads were born in Barbados and played together at Sussex before Jordan joined Surrey. And they stayed in touch throughout Archer's lengthy recovery, with Jordan considering what counsel he might provide his pal.
“At times you can say too much,” he stated. “You can get a bit repetitive. Because you care, you try to check in as much as possible. Other times, he probably needed to do the journey himself and find his way, his mentality. And to be honest he's done a lot of it on his own.”
Jordan is making a comeback: Edgbaston was only his eighth T20 match since winning the World Cup final against Pakistan in Melbourne in November 2022. However, he has been targeted for the death overs and wants to bring six-hitting power from No. 8.
He intends to contribute local experience to the dressing room, along with former West Indies captain Kieron Pollard, who has been added to England's back-room squad, since the opening two World Cup games against Scotland and Australia will be played in Bridgetown.
“I've played so much cricket at Kensington Oval,” he noted. “It's not been touched for a few months, so we'll have to see if the pitch has changed. But having the likes of Polly in our ranks is huge because he's one of the few players who has 10- or 15-plus T20 titles. He knows what to look out for, so the boys are buzzing to have him in the group and we'll be looking to pick his brains.”
The third game against Pakistan will be played on Tuesday in Cardiff, with England hoping to win the series.