Jofra Archer and Steve Smith will not be friendly during the England vs Australia game

Six weeks ago two of the best talents of world cricket, Steve Smith and Jofra Archer were sharing dressing rooms in the IPL but now they will be up against each other. Australia will be wary of England who is now in a little bit of pickle with losses against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. While the home team needs to beat three best teams in world cricket starting with the match against Australia on Tuesday at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Last evening when Jofra Archer was asked about his preparations against Australia and his Rajasthan Royals teammate Steve Smith, he didn’t mince words. The speed gun also mentioned that he rarely bowled to Smith in the nets as the batsman preferred side-arm and the throws. He also added that he and Ben Stokes have closely watched the right-handed batsman in the practice sessions and have also picked a couple of cues that will help them tie down Smith in Tuesday’s encounter.

Steve’s a really good guy

“Steve’s a really good guy, “I’d like to consider he thinks of me the same way as well, but until the game is over, there will be nothing friendly about it,” Archer said. On being asked about his first game against Australia and the Ashes rivalry the pacer quickly played down the cards and said, “From watching the Ashes, it is a pretty intense game between England and Australia and for me, I’m not too sure if it will affect me coming in without having experienced it before.”

Archer also believed that the pace battery of England consisting of himself and Mark Wood can trouble the Kangaroos. He also harped on the fact that Australia are playing really good cricket and he wished that they get to face each other twice in the tournament. He concluded by saying that the upcoming games will be difficult for them but it will serve them well before the knockout ties if they make it to the final four.

On the other hand, Australian coach Justin Langer reckons that Tuesday will be about nerves and the team that wins important moments in the game will reign their superiority. It is going to be a mouth-watering clash as both teams are in red hot form. Barring a couple of encounters they have looked impressive in all departments and are expected to make the cut to the next stage of the tournament.