NICK HOWSON AT THE SWALEC STADIUM: The seven-wicket win in Cardiff provided several talking points including why David Willey almost went under
It might be the most loathsome phrase in sporting parlance. But Archer has it. All of it.
These types of sportspeople are impossible to ignore because they don't allow you to. They thrust themselves into the epicentre of the narrative and daren't let it leave their grasp.
The Sussex man is said cricketer. Even from just one delivery in Malahide, it was enough to ensure he shared the narrative with the likes of Ben Foakes and Tom Curran.
His status as a moments cricketer did not diminish in south Wales either. Both of his wickets highlighted his levels of variation, the first banged in with some extra pace which Imam-ul-Haq just could not get on top of.
Haris Sohail went via alternative means, falling after Archer changed up his pace, rolled his wrist over the ball and seduced the Pakistan batsman into a lazy pull which was plucked by David Willey.
The run-out of Babar Azam might have been veiled in lunacy but it once again highlighted how this 24-year-old is quick thinking and devastatingly ruthless in equal measure.
We English are hardwired to get overexcited about prodigious talents even at the start of their international careers. Archer is no different in this respect and his every move this summer will be overanalysed. Welcome to big school.
The Lahore batsman no longer requires an introduction. Despite having replaced Virat Kohli as the fastest man to 1,000 T20 runs, he remains a somewhat unknown figure in international cricket - but this summer should change all that.
Azam was a largely peripheral figure from Champions Trophy success in 2017 but has returned to England looking to make amends.
His century against Leicestershire provided a warning which England did not heed, as he struck 65 from 42 balls, including three sixes.
Beyond the one-day series and the World Cup he will play for Somerset in the T20 Blast, which looks like a fine piece of business.
Averaging over fifty in both forms of white ball cricket at just 24 should be enough to confirm Azam as a special player. But without that defining display on the global stage he may remain in the shadows. This summer could be his big arrival.
The winning moment for @englandcricket against @TheRealPCB in Cardiff. #ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/4Ao2quTNgC
— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) May 5, 2019
Trying to determine who will fill the remaining pieces in the jigsaw that is England's World Cup squad is not the easiest of tasks, such is their indulgence in allrounders.
But among those players not appearing to be at risk is Joe Denly, who is said to be a near-certainty to be among the 15-man squad which will be named after the Pakistan ODI series.
The 33-year-old is as pleasant as they come in the domestic game. But having not played at the Indian Premier League, suffered a back injury upon returning to Kent and struggled so far for England this summer, it is hard to see why a berth is being specifically set aside for him.
England's selectors clearly don't want to be left wanting in any department and would prefer to have Denly's leg breaks in their back pocket if required.
Cardiff should have been conducive for the veteran but he was taken out of the attack after one over - which went for 15 - having been swatted into the grandstand from successive delivers by Azam.
And with Archer, Chris Jordan and Tom Curran, who many believe are all fighting for just two places in the squad, having impressed across the opening two games of the summer, for how much longer can the selectors ignore the obvious?
Denly's selection continues to astound
With figures of 0-25, with an economy rate of 8.33, it would be fair to say David Willey bowled like a drain. Literally.
The start of the Yorkshireman's second over was delayed when he stepped through a nearby pitch cover on his run-up.
On a serious note, it was fortunate that the left-armer avoided serious injury and that the only legacy from the trip was an embarrassed expression and a hair out of place.
For an international ground of Cardiff's standing, it has hosted international cricket since 2002 and some of the most famous game on these shores in recent history, it was a nightmare moment. The ICC might be in touch.
Not what David Willey expected in Cardiff. #ENGvPAKpic.twitter.com/sM4VjR8B3s
— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) May 5, 2019
Face-painting, fire-breathing plinths welcoming every boundary, flags, chants and a carnival atmosphere; this was as close as you'll get to a World Cup dress rehearsal.
Sub-continent teams have always provided colour, vibrancy and noise to international cricket regardless of the venue - particularly for limited overs matches.
This contest may only have been the second match of England's summer, but it confirmed suspicions that the upcoming tournament will be full of character - particular at the venues on the fingers.
The Welsh capital will only host four matches during the seven-week event but each will possess its own atmosphere and could be one of the stand-out stages this summer.
Welcome to www.thecricketer.com - the online home of the world’s oldest cricket magazine. Breaking news, interviews, opinion and cricket goodness from every corner of our beautiful sport, from village green to national arena.