“Wake up for me” – Ben Stokes draws a subtle Jofra Archer warning in Team India

Even though England pacer Jofra Archer won’t be playing the next India vs England Test in Edgbaston, but the man has already started danger signs, if skipper Ben Stokes is to be believed. On the eve of the match, Stokes spoke about the pace and the swing Archer displayed in the nets, during a few training sessions.

Jofra Archer Fit for IND vs ENG Series

The bowler is back in the Test fold after a gap of four years, mostly out due to injuries. And Stokes also confirmed that he would be finally back in the series. “I think it is important for Jof to be around the group this week as the last time he was in a Test dressing room it was under a different regime. Hopefully we will see him play a part in this series going forward so time spent with other individuals is very important, not just the performances out on the field,” Stokes said during a press conference.

Back to Old Self

“Red ball, white ball, we all know he is an incredibly gifted cricketer. When he walks out for England and has the ball in his hand, the whole atmosphere of the game changes regardless of the situation. Facing him in the nets, he got the ball swinging quite nicely. It was effortless pace. It has been a while since I faced him so it was a wake-up call for me.”​​​​​​

Ben Stokes Looking to Repeat Bowling Show

The England captain also responded to questions over his own bowling. He bowled 35 overs, where he returned with figures of 5/113. “I offered absolutely nothing to the world three days after that game! I was a shadow of my normal self but that shows how much a five-day Test takes out of you.

“I felt great going into the game – I had done everything possible to not have to worry about anything outside of what you normally worry about. I was able to back up spells throughout the day and thought I managed to maintain my pace, which is something I wanted to concentrate on. The ball came out nicely, I bowled for 35 overs, so it was a good week last week. Hopefully I can produce something similar.”