Ashes 2019: Archer mimics Smith in the nets

Steve Smith's unorthodox manner of shouldering arms to deliveries outside the off-stump during the second Test has taken an unexpected admirer in Jofra Archer.

Jofra Archer was seen mimicing Steve Smith with the bat during the nets.

Jofra Archer seems to be able to do anything at the moment. The England pacer, who made his Test debut against Australia at Lord's on Thursday, was seen imitating Steve Smith's unorthodox batting style

In the lead up to the third Ashes Test at Headingley, Archer was trying to emulate Smith's 'art of leaving' from the second Test, which had many followers in splits.

Steve Smith leaving the ball is the most entertaining thing I've seen in a long time #Ashespic.twitter.com/nuuyRrDpaJ

— Alexandra Hartley (@AlexHartley93) August 16, 2019

 

Co-incidentally, Archer struck the back of Smith's neck with a 92.4 mph bouncer at Lord's which ruled the batsman out of the second innings of the second Test and the Leeds Test through concussion.

Is that Jofra Archer or Steve Smith in the nets at Headingley? #Ashes@alintaenergypic.twitter.com/RT5ADoSUjr

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 22, 2019

 

Smith has been a constant thorn in England's bid to regain the Ashes this summer, scoring 378 runs in three innings at an average of 126.

Australia lead the five-match series 1-0.