If Jofra Archer wanted to be an Indian bowler, he would be Ishant Sharma

The World Cup will kick off on Thursday and eyes will be on West Indian-born Jofra Archer who has been fast-tracked to play for England in this edition. The 24-year-old bowling all-rounder made his international debut in the recent matches against Ireland and Pakistan and is eagerly looking forward to the opener against South Africa. To accommodate Archer in the World Cup squad in the eleventh minute, England got rid of left-arm seamer David Willey, one of their consistent performers since the 2015 World Cup.

Archer spared a thought for Indian speedster Ishant Sharma ahead of the mega tournament saying he shared similarities with India speedster and would love to imbibe some of his qualities. Archer spent quite a bit of time with Ishant last year when they played for Sussex in the County Championship. Ishant did not make the Indian squad for this World Cup but is one of the players among the standbys who would step in if there is an injury to any of the regular players.

“Ishant spent last summer with us at Sussex and he pretty much reminds me of myself. He swings the ball in and doesn’t swing it away too much, so I think both of us are the same as he is also tall. So, if I wanted to be an Indian bowler it probably would be Ishant,” India Today cited reports as quoting Archer, who has over 1,000 runs and 130 wickets in first-class cricket.

Archer, who also has claimed 118 scalps in 93 T20 matches, has already made a name of his by excelling in various franchise leagues across the globe. He completed a qualification period of three years in March before turning out for England in the recent limited-over matches against Ireland and Pakistan. Archer is now gearing up for his maiden World Cup.

Archer feels IPL has helped him grow as a player

Archer, who plays for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has also praised the tournament for having helped him improve as a player. “It really has to be the most people I have played in front of. More people than Big Bash, BPL, etc. I think it really challenges your skills as there is a lot of pressure and you have a lot of quality players and you can’t take anything for granted,” he said on the Indian T20 tournament.

Archer will be up against some of the best batsmen in the world in this World Cup including India captain Virat Kohli (England play India at Edgbaston on June 30) and it will be seen how the young speedster handles the challenge. It indeed is a make or breaks for the talented bowler.