Jofra Archer needs to decide if he is in the right place to play before the third Test: James Anderson

Veteran England pacer and one of the best of this generation, James Anderson surmises both he and Jofra Archer should play the series-decider against the West Indies when the third Test begins on 24 July in Manchester. But he asserted that the young speedster should first figure if he is in the right frame of mind to play. 25-year-old Archer had recently claimed that he was subjected to racist abuse on social media after breaking the bio-bubble protocol. 

Archer is available for the Old Trafford decider after missing the second Test following a breach of COVID protocols. The visit to his home in Brighton led to his axing from the second Test. He was placed in five days of isolation at Old Trafford’s on-site hotel and was also fined at a disciplinary hearing.

James Anderson, speaking to a press conference, responded to Archer’s claim by saying that he needs to decide if he can make the third Test return and figure out if he is in the right place to play.

“We’ve not seen much of Jofra because he’s obviously been in isolation for a few days but, knowing him as I do, I’m sure he’ll want to play in this game, with it being so crucial and the series resting on it. Over the next few days he’s going to have to sit down with the captain and coach and figure out if he is in the right place to play,” Anderson said.

Archer has been on the receiving end of racist abuse even in the past and James Anderson opined that the scrutiny is always something that can be difficult for guys coming into the international setup as it is more under the spotlight and one needs to find ways of dealing with the extra attention.

“It’s about finding methods as a player to deal with that – I think using the team around him, whether that’s family, friends, management and the players and coaches here. I think it’s important that everyone does that – not just Jofra,” Anderson added.

James Anderson heaped praise on all-rounder Ben Stokes

With the England skipper Joe Root hinting that Broad and Anderson would be rotated in the future to lessen their respective workloads, Anderson presumed that it’s going to be a difficult decision for the captain (Joe Root) and the coach (Chris Silverwood). He also opined that if he and his longterm bowling partner Stuart Broad are both fit, they both should get into the playing XI with the pair picking up 883 wickets in 116 Tests, the record speaking for itself. 

“Our record together speaks for itself and I’d really like to think that if we are both fit and England are picking their best bowling attack then we’d both be in that. It’s a good position to be in because it shows we have strength in depth,” the 37-year-old added. 

Anderson has also heaped praise on his fellow teammate Ben Stokes who is in a mesmerizing form both with the bat and the ball showing his all-round capabilities. He mentioned that it’s amazing to be able to watch him first-hand and make sure the England cricket can keep getting the best out of him for as long as possible.

“He’s certainly the best all-rounder I’ve ever played with and I think he’s becoming the best all-rounder England have ever had. It’s incredible that we’ve got him on our team and it’s a pleasure to watch,” he concluded.