Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden has launched a scathing attack on England fast bowler Jofra Archer. He was particularly critical of Archer showing up at the Gabba carrying a pillow on day three of the second Ashes Test. Hayden, who opened in 103 Tests for Australia, described Archer’s arrival as “devastating.” His comments sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, shocking analysts and die-hard cricket fans.
Archer’s thrilling return to Test cricket this summer came after a four-year absence through debilitating injuries. Yet, he has emerged as the key lightning rod. He produced a superb seven-over spell immediately following the first change of ends. As it turns out, it was his longest continuous streak in Test cricket in five years! He shared the new cherry with fellow English pacer and teammate Gus Atkinson. He may not have taken a wicket but he only cost 13 runs off five overs.
With England desperately trying to stay in their Ashes series and get back into the match, they needed four wickets to end Australia’s first innings. Hayden’s comments came during an appearance on Channel 7, where he expressed his disbelief over Archer’s choice of bringing a pillow to the match venue.
“If I was a batsman, I tell you what I’d be doing, I’d be digging in. Forever.” – Matthew Hayden
Hayden highlighted that as a batsman you’d be unsettled watching an opponent look that comfortable. He says he thinks this comfort could throw a player’s game. He remarked, “It would be exactly what you need as a batsman, I can tell you. You’d be looking over and thinking ‘you are never going to sleep on that.’”
Archer’s return has been the most anticipated in large part due to his previous mark on major league baseball. Let Hayden’s criticism be a reminder of the lofty expectations for players at this level. He reiterated that Archer’s actions weren’t in keeping with the competitive spirit you would want to see in a Test match.
“Not any part of this day are you going to see that. Not even in the night are you going to see that.” – Matthew Hayden
The Ashes series continues to be action-packed and up in the balance. The man’s tenor, performance and wisdom will be put under immense scrutiny as Archer attempts to prove worthy of re-entering the Test colosseum. The game at Gabba still promises to be the decider for both teams as they continue through this blistering tournament.
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