Former England cricketer Nasser Hussain has shed light on the unique and effective relationship between captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Jofra Archer, revealing how Stokes brings out the best in Archer.
Stokes’ Special Bond with Archer
According to Nasser Hussain, there’s a deep mutual respect between Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer. Hussain believes that Stokes possesses an innate understanding of what makes Archer perform at his peak. This insight has been crucial for England’s recent success, especially given Archer’s impactful return to the squad.
Hussain highlighted an incident from the Lord’s Test, noting how Stokes’ interaction with Archer was key. “I like him. I like the fact that Ben knows what makes Jofra Archer tick,” Hussain stated on Sky Sports, praising their strong rapport.
The ‘Friend, Not Best Friend’ Approach
Stokes’ leadership style with Archer can be summed up by Hussain’s observation: “I am your friend and I’ll look after you but I am not your best friend.” This means Stokes offers support and camaraderie but isn’t afraid to challenge Archer if performance isn’t up to par. Hussain described it as having “a word with him but in a nice way.”
This tailored approach is vital for elite athletes. Just as a captain might handle veteran bowlers like James Anderson and Stuart Broad differently, Stokes understands Archer’s specific needs. Hussain added that Archer often bowls better when he’s “a little fired up and his legs start pumping.”
Archer’s Stellar Comeback
Archer’s return to Test cricket has been impressive. He was instrumental in England’s victory over India at Lord’s, taking five wickets in the match. His strong form continued in the subsequent Test at Manchester, where he bagged four wickets in both innings.
This recent performance is a testament to Archer’s resilience and Stokes’ ability to manage him. Fans will recall Archer’s composure bowling the Super Over when England won the 2019 Cricket World Cup, with Stokes by his side.
Overcoming Injury Setbacks
Archer’s path back to the Test arena hasn’t been easy. He last played a Test match in February 2021 before a series of elbow-related injuries sidelined him for an extended period. His inclusion in England’s squad for the current five-match series against India marked his first red-ball appearance in over four years.
He did miss the second Test due to a family emergency but has quickly integrated back into the team, proving his worth. His ability to bounce back from such significant setbacks speaks volumes about his determination and the support system around him.
- Ben Stokes’ captaincy style with Jofra Archer is a mix of support and accountability.
- Stokes understands how to “fire up” Archer, leading to better performance.
- Archer has made a strong comeback to Test cricket after a long injury layoff, taking key wickets against India.
- Their partnership dates back to the 2019 World Cup win.
The synergy between captain and bowler is clearly paying dividends for England as they navigate a crucial series against India.
