He made his England debut on May 3, 2019 in an ODI against Ireland in Dublin, and despite trouble with injuries, which have significantly limited his appearances, he remains a speedster of the highest calibre, capable of wreaking significant havoc.
“No, I’m fine thanks,” was Archer’s terse response years ago when asked if he’d be open to a change of heart regarding his decision to seek to represent England instead of the West Indies. The then 22-year-old fast-bowling sensation went on to say this: “I was angry with the West Indies, so that helped me with my decision to come and try to play for England. I wasn’t selected, so I had to think about what to do next. Once I knew it was an option, it was an easy decision to move to England.”
We do not know what would have happened were the English path unavailable to him. We could reasonably assume that his quality is such that he’d have quickly convinced the West Indies selectors of his worth, and it is unfortunate for the struggling Caribbean side that a player of his skills chose to offer his services to others who didn’t need them quite as much.
Looking on, and going by what he has already achieved, it would certainly appear that the West Indies selectors erred at the time in leaving out Archer for the under-19 World Cup, especially since he is currently far ahead of those who were chosen ahead of him.
But this is an argument that can only be made in the clear view of hindsight. It is safe to assume the selectors thought the fast bowlers chosen surpassed Archer in ability. He clearly thought otherwise and was, therefore, peeved by their decision.
“No, I’m fine thanks,” was Archer’s terse response years ago when asked if he’d be open to a change of heart regarding his decision to seek to represent England instead of the West Indies. The then 22-year-old fast-bowling sensation went on to say this: “I was angry with the West Indies, so that helped me with my decision to come and try to play for England. I wasn’t selected, so I had to think about what to do next. Once I knew it was an option, it was an easy decision to move to England.”
We do not know what would have happened were the English path unavailable to him. We could reasonably assume that his quality is such that he’d have quickly convinced the West Indies selectors of his worth, and it is unfortunate for the struggling Caribbean side that a player of his skills chose to offer his services to others who didn’t need them quite as much.
Looking on, and going by what he has already achieved, it would certainly appear that the West Indies selectors erred at the time in leaving out Archer for the under-19 World Cup, especially since he is currently far ahead of those who were chosen ahead of him.
But this is an argument that can only be made in the clear view of hindsight. It is safe to assume the selectors thought the fast bowlers chosen surpassed Archer in ability. He clearly thought otherwise and was, therefore, peeved by their decision.
Jamaica Observer
