The daunting prospect of facing Jofra Archer

County pro NED ECKERSLEY knows a thing or two about taking guard against the Sussex allrounder. Here, he explains just what it's like to stand 22 yards away from the England prospect, bat in hand

One of the most difficult propositions for county batsman in recent years has been to try and conquer Sussex CCC pace bowler Jofra Archer. It is a proposition I have faced on three occasions with very little success. It is clear that he has an abundance of talent, but there is a selection of unique traits that make him a little special.

I will begin with the most obvious difficulty, which is that he bowls with serious pace. Upwards of 90mph. However, there are more subtle problems on show that make him one of the most talked about bowlers amongst county batters

It starts with his run-up. His short, rhythmical approach is the complete opposite of the long, high-speed varieties made famous by the likes of Shoaib Akhtar and Brett Lee. It’s why when Archer delivers the ball with such pace; it can take batsman by surprise. Clues that I would be able to obtain from another bowler’s run-up are more difficult to identify when it’s Archer, who seemingly jogs in. It never seems to vary; it always remains graceful and effortless.

^{Jofra Archer has taken 131 wickets at 23.44 in first-class cricket for Sussex}

In stark comparison to his run-up, when he arrives at the crease, the speed his bowling arm comes over is frightening. With what looks like the minimum of effort, having barely finished planting his feet, the ball is hurtling its way down the wicket at me. The speed of his release means I get a very limited view of his hand or the ball through his delivery stride.

What I look for more than anything when I bat is time. Time to judge the length, line and any subtle changes the bowler might have made. Archer doesn’t afford me time, in fact everything seems in fast-forward which leads to rushed decisions and inevitably, poor shot selection. I would put him in the category of bowlers who are very difficult to “pick up”.

An added difficulty, due to his economical action, is that identifying his bouncer becomes very problematic. The bouncer is an effort ball and therefore I often get indications from bowler’s body movements or even facial expressions as to when the short-pitched delivery is coming. Conversely, Archer’s action and manner is the same, whether he bowls a very rare half volley or a bouncer that whistles past my nose.

^{Archer bowls a bouncer to Daryl Mitchell}

Another valuable characteristic Archer possesses is stamina, both in terms of physical fitness and bowling loads. It means that his spell before the close of play is just as fast as it was six hours earlier, when he opened the innings. There are very few points, if any, over the course of a day where he will tire, offer multiple loose deliveries and allow the batting side to get on top of him.

In addition to all this, Archer has serious ball striking talent with the bat and immense athletic ability in the field, making him a player who can change the game in the blink of an eye.

While the upcoming England tour to the West Indies may come too soon, I won’t be at all surprised if he is a late call-up for the 2019 World Cup in the summer months. Talent like Archer’s is too hard to ignore.