Jofra Archer believes England’s new-look England pace quartet could help him extend his international career until he is 40.
The 31-year-old fast bowler has battled a series of injuries throughout his career. Now, with Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson sharing the workload, Archer feels he can manage his spells more effectively.
“This is really nice having the extra seamers in the line-up. I could play until I’m 40 at this rate,” Archer said.
England have used all four quick bowlers during the ongoing three-Test series against Pakistan. The combination has already produced impressive results.
Pakistan lost the first Test at Headingley by an innings. England then reduced them to 110 on the second day of the Lord’s Test, leaving the hosts with a substantial advantage.
Archer and Robinson Lead the Attack
Archer produced one of his most hostile spells of the series on Friday. He claimed 3-26 and repeatedly troubled Pakistan’s batters with his pace and bounce.
The fast bowler reached 94 mph, or around 151 kph, during his opening spell. He also averaged more than 90 mph while dismissing Shan Masood and putting pressure on debutant opener Azan Awais.
Ollie Robinson proved equally effective from the other end. The Sussex seamer finished with outstanding figures of 4-11 from 13 overs.
Archer believes the depth in England’s attack means no bowler needs to carry an excessive workload.
“Each day it will be someone else’s turn,” he said. “Everyone was relentless, everyone wants wickets and it feels like no-one is ever going to be overworked because everyone shares the overs out.”
Fresh Bowlers Could Extend Archer’s Career
The fast bowler also praised the flexibility available to England’s attack. If one bowler begins to tire, another can take over before he returns refreshed.
Archer said the system allows him to step away when necessary and return without feeling pressure to bowl long spells.
That approach could prove particularly valuable for a player whose career has suffered repeated injury setbacks.
Archer also joked about the speed readings from his opening spell. Despite the impressive numbers on the speed gun, he questioned whether the equipment was working correctly.
“I’ve had times where I’ve felt better and never really had the speeds to show for it,” Archer said.
England Build Strong Lead at Lord’s
England ended Friday’s play 81-3 in their second innings, giving them a lead of 261 runs over Pakistan.
Opener Emilio Gay remained unbeaten on 30 after a determined innings. However, heavy rain forecast for Saturday could interrupt England’s attempt to build an even bigger advantage.
For Archer, the immediate focus remains on the Test series. Yet the emergence of a deeper pace attack could have a much bigger benefit.
With four quality fast bowlers able to rotate through spells, England can protect their quicks while maintaining pressure on opposition batting line-ups.
For a fit Archer, that combination could make a long international career much more realistic.
