England speedster Jofra Archer has recently recalled his fierce Ashes battle with veteran Australian batsman Steve Smith where Smith got hit by a deadly bouncer during the 2019 Ashes series. Smith, who is considered one of the world’s best Test batsmen, was about to score his third consecutive Ashes ton when he got hit on the side of the head off Archer’s delivery.
However, after the blow, Smith fell down on the crease and also received medical treatment there as well. Although he got back on his feet, he decided not to play and went to the pavilion after discussing with team doctor Richard Saw. And, Jofra Archer has shared his views on this incident.
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“I think in England personally when the ball hits you it can feel a lot worse than it is because sometimes it’s a bit cold and I thought it was that until I actually saw him roll … when he went down and then he rolled on his back, I went ‘oh dear,’ you know. I thought it was very serious, but he came out and he batted again. Obviously, you don’t ever want a cricket related death. There was one already and there’s no need for another one. It’s hard enough trying to get the kids to come and play cricket,” Archer said while sharing his views to NewsCorp.
However, Steve Smith missed the next Test at Headingley after that owing to a concussion. But, his sublime form continued as he finished the Ashes series with 774 runs in seven innings as well at a stunning average of 110.57 which also including a double hundred, two tons, and three fifties as well.
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“I know they say he’s tough as nails anyway, but I don’t think he would have come out to bat again if he wasn’t. Just his resilience. You are putting yourself out there and risking everything for your team. Honestly, throughout that whole series, I just think his wicket wasn’t for me. There were a few top edges that could have gone to hand. But I just enjoyed the challenge,” Jofra Archer concluded.
