It's gamble time: Jofra Archer reveals how Eoin Morgan masterclass won England 2019 World Cup
India Today
England pacer Jofra Archer paid an emotional tribute to Eoin Morgan after the latter's retirement, saying that the ex-England captain is an amazing cricketer and an even better person.
England pacer Jofra Archer paid an emotional tribute to Eoin Morgan after the latter's retirement and revealed how the ex-England captain's masterclass helped the side win the 2019 World Cup. Archer said Morgan's retirement took some comprehending as it was unexpected.
Archer displayed a clinical performance when he took 20 wickets in 11 innings during the campaign and also bowled the Super Over in which Eoin Morgan's side secured their triumph against New Zealand.
"To be honest, it took some comprehending because it was so unexpected. The one on-field episode of the 2019 World Cup I will always remember came right at the end when I was bowling the super over in the final against New Zealand at Lord's. New Zealand needed three runs off two balls to win when Eoin Morgan came to me and said, 'Right, it's gamble time, what are we going to do to get a wicket or dot ball?" Archer wrote in his column for Daily Mail.
"I told him I wanted to bowl a bouncer. He asked me if I was sure and I said, 'Yeah'. 'Ok then', he said. 'Let's set a field for it'. I didn't expect him to let me bowl that particular ball because it's a pretty high risk, and although it turned out to be the right delivery in costing just one run, looking back I might have done things differently."
"The summer of 2019 was the greatest of my life and I really appreciated the part he played. I would like to thank him for going against the grain and selecting me because, before I came in, a lot of people were saying that a winning team should not be changed and that it would affect the chemistry in the group. As a captain, Morgs didn't only bring me into the squad, he made me feel welcome and those are two different things. He is an amazing person. He is an amazing cricketer as well."
Archer said he is aiming for a return to bowling by September this year and is optimistic about playing in the Men's T20 World Cup in Australia in October-November. Earlier this year, Archer was ruled out of competitive cricketing action in the English season after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his lower back.
"I know I have a lot of cricket left in me, too, despite my latest setback - a stress fracture of the back that will prevent me featuring in matches this season. Although it was officially picked up by the medics in May, when I was training with Sussex, I first felt it while bowling in the nets during England's tour of the Caribbean in March,"
