Jofra Archer put one over Eoin Morgan with his three-in-three in a dramatic match in the T20 Blast. It was a feat that prompted Lord's to request him for his jersey for the museum.
It was an impressive effort from the all-rounder, who helped Sussex script a 12-run victory over Middlesex on Thursday, 2 August.
After bowling Sussex out for 168 in 19.4 overs, Middlesex had skipper Morgan leading from the front in the chase, hitting 90 in just 56 deliveries, which is now his highest score in T20 cricket. Middlesex required 16 runs off the final over to win the encounter and with the left-handed batsman still at the crease, it seemed gettable.
However, he ended up as Archer's first victim on the day, falling off the third delivery of the over. That gave Sussex the edge, and the 23-year-old followed it up by dismissing John Simpson and James Fuller off the next two deliveries to add a memorable hat-trick to his impressive record.
This was an interesting chapter in the Archer-Morgan story. While Morgan is as impressed with Archer as most others – “Jofra is a very impressive player" – the England limited-overs captain is certain that regulations shouldn't be bent to include Archer in the national team.
Archer, originally from Barbados, represented the Windies at the under 19 level and is part of the way through his seven-year residency period in England, which will make him eligible to play for England from 2022.
⚡️ Magical from @craig_arch!
— Sussex Cricket (@SussexCCC) 2 August 2018
A masterclass in death bowling, and a hat-trick for Jofra! #SharkAttack pic.twitter.com/ZSTNV5gapX
There were some suggestions that the regulations could be relaxed for Archer, but Morgan pointed out in June this year, "I had to qualify even though my mum is English and I’ve had a British passport since I was born."
That, of course, would not have been on Archer's mind, who finished the day thrilled to have made history at Lord's. “I was more worried batting here than bowling, to be honest!" he said after the match.
"To get a hat-trick, I can’t really believe it – especially for a domestic T20 as well, it’s not like it’s an international game and I’m really honoured to hear that they want to put my shirt in the museum here at Lord’s.”
Personalise your homepage with an ICC account
News, fixtures and updates tailored to your favourite team. Never miss a moment!
Trending News
-
1
1 India name squads for white-ball series in England
India have named their squads for the three-match T20I and ODI series against England.
-
2 England name new white-ball captain to replace Morgan
-
3 Veteran star fit as England announce playing XI for India Test
-
4 Babar usurps Kohli in latest T20I rankings boost
-
5 No Temba Bavuma in South Africa squads for multi-format assignment against England