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England express pace bowler Jofra Archer clapped back at troll for criticizing his limited availability despite being a longstanding member of the England cricket team.
Jofra Archer’s fierce response to online trolls
On August 14, as the England Cricket Board (ECB) commemorated Archer’s Test debut on social media, a fan took a jab at Archer’s limited Test appearances, saying, “13 Test caps in around 5 years. Such a waste.” Archer, known for his calm demeanor on the field, didn’t hold back online.
He sharply retorted, “How much did you play?”—a response that quickly went viral, showcasing his frustration with the constant criticism surrounding his injury-plagued career. Archer’s reply not only silenced the troll but also highlighted the immense pressure and scrutiny that professional athletes face, particularly when battling through injuries and trying to make comebacks.
13 test caps in around 5 years. Such a waste. https://t.co/q1eyQSoEeD
— Granty (@granty__no1) August 14, 2024
How much did you play ? https://t.co/76DKutkFMI
— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) August 14, 2024
Archer’s Test debut and early success
Archer made an immediate impact when he debuted for England in the 2019 Ashes series against Australia. Named in the squad for the first Test but omitted from the final eleven due to injury recovery, Archer was included in the second Test and quickly proved his worth. He took his first Test wicket by dismissing Australia’s Cameron Bancroft and went on to achieve his first five-wicket haul in the third Test, with figures of 6 for 45. His 22 wickets in four matches during the series cemented his status as one of the most exciting fast bowlers in the game.
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Challenges and comeback
Despite his sensational debut, Archer’s Test career has been hampered by injuries. After undergoing two elbow surgeries in 2021 and missing much of the 2022 season due to a back stress fracture, Archer made his return to international cricket in 2023. His comeback was highlighted by a remarkable performance in the ODI series against South Africa, where he took his best ODI match figures of 6/40. In his recent international appearances, Archer performed decently in the T20 World Cup 2024, taking eight wickets in eight matches with an average of 19 and an economy rate of 7.22.
Archer’s future plans
However, his injury woes persisted, causing him to miss the 2023 Ashes series. Determined to prove his fitness and contribute to England’s future successes, Archer has expressed his commitment to staying fit and returning to Test cricket. He plans to participate in County Championship fixtures in 2024 as part of his preparation for a potential return during the 2024-25 Ashes series. In a recent conversation with reporters, Archer candidly addressed the recurring comments about his injury-prone nature. He emphasized his dedication to maintaining his fitness and silencing his critics.
