Jofra Archer and Tino Best engage in a war of words on Twitter

Jofra Archer has been the flavour of 2019. From making his fairytale debut for England earlier this summer to bowling the decisive super-over in the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final against New Zealand at the Mecca of Cricket- Lord’s- to going on to feature in his enticing battle with Steven Smith during the Ashes, and of course, who can forget his Nostradamus tweets which have proceeded to achieve cult status, Archer could do no wrong.

But, the past month-or-so hasn’t turned out the way Archer would have liked. Slowly-and-steadily, the rigours of playing Test cricket have started to take its toll. Archer’s dwindling pace- especially in his second or third spell- was a subject of discussion during the recently concluded Test series where he bowled 82 overs across both games and managed just two wickets.

Former West Indies fast bowler Tino Best had taken to Twitter where he raised questi0ns on Archer’s fitness. He wrote, “Is anyone concerned @bbctms 😧 that Archer is bowling so slow and only in his second series???? Even in the 1st test pace was down ever tho he had so much rest before NZ tour ?? Is he HURT ??🤔 like we need to take the Right Hand Fast and put him to Medium- Fast 🤷🏾‍♂️🤣 #NZvENG

Is anyone concerned @bbctms 😧 that Archer is bowling so slow and only in his second series???? Even in the 1st test pace was down ever tho he had so much rest before NZ tour ?? Is he HURT ??🤔 like we need to take the Right Hand Fast and put him to Medium- Fast 🤷🏾‍♂️🤣 #NZvENG .

— Tino95 (@tinobest) November 28, 2019

Jofra Archer hits back at Tino Best

And, now Jofra Archer has come up with a reply to the former fast bowler from his homeland. Archer wrote, “The captain and I aren’t worried  but thank you for concern I really appreciate it 👊🏾”

Not one to hold himself back, Best asked Archer to ‘crank’ up his speed in the upcoming series against South Africa. “Crack it up young man , there are enough medium pacers in your team already 😊 . SA is the place to bowl fast 💨 I’ll be watching .” Best replied.

Earlier, England captain Joe Root had asserted that Archer needed to keep learning and be mentally and physically resilient if he needs to be successful in Test cricket.

“He has to keep wanting to learn, and to stay nice and resilient mentally and physically as well because these conditions can wear you down. I expect him to bounce back quite strongly from something like this, because he’s a fast learner. He’s proven that when he’s played domestic cricket around the world, in all these big franchise tournaments. Hopefully, we’ll see him back at his best soon.” Root had said as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

Archer’s next challenge will be the four-match Test series in South Africa, and as Tino said, he better “crank” it up, for he’ll be watching.

The captain and I aren’t worried but thank you for concern I really appreciate it 👊🏾 https://t.co/Q70qij8nwL

— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) December 13, 2019