Former England captain defends Archer

Criticism that Jofra Archer doesn’t bowl at top speed often enough is “out of order”, says former England captain Michael Vaughan.

The 25-year-old bowled an exhilarating spell on the final day of the first Test against West Indies in Southampton, but his 3-45 could not prevent England falling to a four-wicket defeat.

Vaughan, who believes it is “impossible” to consistently bowl in excess of 90mph, said: “I’d have him in my team all the time.”

Speaking on the BBC Radio 5 Live Tuffers and Vaughan podcast, Vaughan added: “When I see those spells like I did yesterday, you just know he’s got that point of difference.”

During the first Test against West Indies, former West Indies fast bowler Tino Best appeared to criticise Archer’s speeds, tweeting that Archer has “not bowled quickly” since last summer’s Ashes series against Australia.

Michael Vaughan

Vaughan, however, said it was “impossible” for fast bowlers to reach top speed with every delivery.

“Going forward he will have frustrating days, he’s a young bowler. Will he become really consistent the older he gets? Maybe.

“Look at [Australia’s] Brett Lee and [Pakistan’s] Shoaib Akhtar. They have lots of spells where you just go ‘come on, you can crank it up’, but it’s impossible. The body just doesn’t allow you to do it every single over that you bowl.

“But when you get that click, that six or seven overs where everything is in sync and you see the ball flying down at 90mph-plus causing chaos, that’s why you put Jofra Archer in your team.

“I was delighted with Jofra’s spell yesterday – he was back to doing what he does best.”

A war of words erupted on Twitter between Archer and Best late Friday night. It all started after Best raised questions over Archer’s inclusion in England’s playing XI over experienced campaigner Stuart Broad.

Pointing to Archer’s normal bowling speed against West Indies on Day 3 of the Southampton Test, Tino took to the Twitter and wrote, “Honestly why Archer playing before Broad chaaaaa fair is fair tho, cause u have Wood bowling 90+, And he’s bowling the same pace as Broad , I have no problem with Broad being pissed #EngVsWI ….. that’s not fair at all.”

Best’s comments did not go down well with Archer, who reacted: “With all this knowledge how are you not a coach yet?”

The verbal spat between the two did not stop here as Best hit back again saying: “Don’t address me personally Young man, the fact remains your bowling toothpaste and u haven’t bowled Quickly since ASHES, now go sleep and get some rest for WI to beat ya ball in the second innings bye 👋🏾 Jorfa 🙏🏾 #SleepTight.”

Archer, who is playing his 8th Test match for England, remained wicketless on Day 3 of the Southampton Test. He bowled 22 overs and conceded 61 runs.

Meanwhile, Stuart Broad, who was excluded from the England playing XI, also raised questions over his omission. Broad said that he felt “frustrated, angry and gutted” after being dropped from the opening Test against West Indies. Speaking on Sky Sports’ ‘Player Zone’ on Friday, Broad also revealed that he had sought clarification over his future in the team.

Broad, who is England’s second highest wicket-taker of all time with 485 scalps in the longest format of the game, last missed a home Test eight years ago when he was rested against West Indies in 2012. (BBC)