Ashes 2019: Jofra Archer hilariously imitates Steve Smith’s batting in the nets

The stage is set for the exhilarating action at Headingley in the third Ashes Test set to start on Thursday. Australia are still leading the series 1-0 and will have to win only one more game to retain the urn. England, on the flip side, has to make sure that they win the series at any cost to regain it. A lot has changed though after the series opener as Jofra Archer made his debut at Lord’s and he seems to the potential threat for the visitors in their campaign.

The duel between Archer and Steve Smith in the second Test was the one for the ages and the former clearly unsettled the Australian with his well-directed short balls. Rather one of them also hit Smith flush on the back of the neck which has also ruled him out of the all-important third Test. But even during the tough going before getting hit, Smith had employed a hilarious leaving technique.

He didn’t even think of playing the outside the off-stump delivery and used to move like he’s dancing after the ball passed the bat. His weird technique has frustrated the bowlers definitely who err in length while trying to get him out and Steve Smith scores heavily then on the leg-side.

Archer’s perfect imitation

The focus is now completely on Jofra Archer and his battle with Steve Smith will definitely be missed in Leeds. But the Caribbean born cricketer might just imitate Smith when he comes out to bat in the third Test. He showed the glimpse of the same in the nets ahead of the game. In the video shared by cricket.com.au on its official Facebook page, Archer could be seen leaving the balls the same way his Australian rival did at Lord’s.

Moreover, he also smacked one coming out of the crease of the spinner exactly like how Steve Smith did to Jack Leach. Archer’s tweets were going viral until now but it seems he’s also brilliant imitating on the field. Having said that, his main job would be to dismantle the opposition line-up which has certainly depleted with the world’s best Test batsman not playing.

Here’s the video: