Barbadian all-rounder Jofra Archer is one of those names that turned heads at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction last week. From a base price of ₹ 40 lakh, the 22-year-old — who flaunts Sussex County Cricket Club on his resume — was picked up by Rajasthan Royals for ₹ 7.20 crore.
However, Archer didn’t do anything extraordinary to prove his value in his last five appearances at the Big Bash League (BBL), including the final against Adelaide Strikers in its own backyard on Sunday.
Armed with the ball, representing Hobart Hurricanes, the right-arm seamer conceded 46 runs in four overs, which included two sixes and five fours. Though he dismissed Alex Carey for his sole wicket, but that didn’t help matters as he leaked runs at 11.50 (economy rate).
Indifferent form
Strikers eventually posted a mammoth total of 202 for 2 in its stipulated 20 overs and Hurricanes lost the rubber by 25 runs. No, he didn’t get to bat today.
In the previous BBL encounters, his numbers read — 0 for 28, 7* and 0 for 35, 3* and 1 for 31, 3 for 27 (the only notable performance) and 4*.
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Archer did have a couple of two-fors and three-fors in the beginning of the tournament but the performances came in phases. The bat remained mum.
English connection
However, there is parallel story about Archer’s nationality and his loyalty — for England and not the Windies. The cricketer wants to ply his trade in England for his father’s roots. But he turned out for West Indies U-19 five years ago.
As of now, Archer needs to complete his seven-year qualification period — by spending certain number of days in England as a citizen — which will end in 2022. To make matters tricky, one should remember that England and IPL were never on the same table, albeit coincidences like Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler.
It remains to be seen if Archer, who will also play the Pakistan Super League this month for Quetta Gladiators, can turn things around.
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