Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Hobart Hurricanes' high performance manager Salliann Beams has ruled out the possibility of England pacer Jofra Archer’s return. Beams did not have doubts about Archer's ability but feels that he does not fit into their squad and they are in need of an all-rounder and a top batter.
"If you look at our bowlers in our team that offer (what Archer does), we've got Riley (Meredith), Nathan (Ellis) and now Chris (Jordan), it doesn't quite fit from a matchup point of view. What we're looking for is that allrounder and then someone that can fit in the top four," Beams said as quoted by cricket.com.au.
"Not saying that he's (Archer) not a quality player, he is absolutely, and if we needed that skill set, I think he would be a big target, but he just doesn't fit the balance of our team," the former England cricketer added.
Jordan picked over Archer
Meanwhile, Archer's teammate, Chris Jordan has signed a two-year deal with Hobart Hurricanes ahead of the draft. Beams revealed that she has picked Jordan not just for his exploits on the field but off the field as well.
"That's what's key with all these franchise competitions around the world, what they're doing is targeting those that are most available. That's what we've identified in Chris, we wanted someone not only that could perform on the pitch, he's actually bringing something off field."
"I think the players around him have looked at that and then looked inwardly to go 'I could be a lot better'. He's the guy that walks on the team bus with a foam roller and a mat … he's the ultimate professional and those sorts of behaviours rub off, they're contagious," Beams said.
Archer’s T20 World Cup numbers
Barbados-born Archer returned to international cricket ahead of T20 World Cup 2024 and had a decent run in the tournament where the defending champions were knocked out in the semifinal. Archer was not outstanding on his return but bagged 10 wickets from eight games at an average of 19 and economy rate of 7.21 runs per over.
Injury troubles Archer
Archer has not played in the BBL since he got selected to play for England in 2019 World Cup where they created history. An elbow injury has troubled Archer preventing him to participate in T20 leagues including the Indian Premier League (IPL). The England Cricket Board (ECB) forbid him from putting his name in auction for IPL 2024.
No Archer in Test squad
The 29-year-old has not been named in England’s squad for first two Tests at home against West Indies. The first Test at Lord’s will also mark the end of legendary James Anderson’s career in international cricket.
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