GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Archer signs new two-year deal with Hobart Hurricanes HOBART, Australia (CMC) – In-demand Barbadian all-rounder Jofra Archer has signed a new two-year deal with Hobart Hurricanes just days after landing a million-dollar Indian Premier League contract. The 22-year-old has made a massive impact with the Hurricanes on and off the field in his first Big Bash League season, and Hobart wasted little time in tying him down to an extended deal, fending off interest from Perth Scorchers. He has been one of the leading bowlers with 15 wickets and has also quickly become a huge fan favourite with his easy-going personality and brilliant out-fielding.
game against the Adelaide Strikers at Blundstone Arena that the Hurricanes came to my management and said they wanted to resign me,” Archer revealed. Though he represented West Indies Under-19s, Archer never played for the Barbados senior side, and it was at English County Sussex where he made his name last season in his first full firstclass campaign. And despite ending as the county’s leading bowler with 84 wickets and 764 runs across all three competitions, Archer said it was at Hobart where he had really discovered fan mania. “It (recognition) means a lot. It’s a bit different from England – they support you
Barbadian fast bowler Jofra Archer
Archer, a late replacement for England fast bowler Tom Curran who was called up for the Ashes, said he was thrilled to be remaining in Hobart for the next two seasons. “I’m very excited to be staying. I’ve grown to love Hobart – it’s a really nice place,” said Archer, who is yet to play international cricket. “The home supporters really make you feel welcome and they back you, in especially that last over against the (Adelaide) Strikers. It was one of the best atmospheres I’ve bowled in. “The Big Bash is a really great competition to play in and to learn.” Though Archer impressed from the outset, it was his role in Hobart’s win over Strikers earlier this month which convinced the franchise to retain his services. With Hobart defending 183, Archer produced a brilliant spell of three for 15 from his four overs. He also sent down a nerveless final over, picking up two wickets and conceding only five runs, with Strikers needing 13 for the win. “I think it was after the
on the field but you don’t get recognised much off the field,” he said. “Whereas here whenever you go down the street, everyone is saying ‘well bowled’ or ‘nice catch’, which is heart-warming really.” Cricket Tasmania chief executive Nick Cummins said there had been little hesitation over re-signing the budding Twenty20 star. “About a month after we signed Tom, George (Bailey) (Hobart captain) messaged me and said we should have signed Jofra,” Cummins explained. “Anyone you talk to in the UK was raving about Jofra.” Archer, this week named in the Big Bash team-ofthe-tournament, will line up tomorrow with Hobart in their semi-final against Perth Scorchers. Following the Big Bash, Archer will have a stint for Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League starting February 22, as a replacement for West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite. He will then turn out for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL which bowls off April 7.
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