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Cricket: Younis says Archer is a “major threat” in clashes between England and Pakistan

KARACHI: Pakistani striker and former cricket star Younis Khan has highlighted fast-paced Paceman Jofra Archer as a “major threat” in his team’s upcoming games against England.

The Pakistani squad traveled to England on Sunday (June 28), where they will play three tests and as many 20 international matches from the first week of August.

Younis said the 25-year-old Archer has made a name for himself since qualifying for England and plays a key role in last year’s ashes and the triumphant World Cup campaign.

“He (Archer) is a real match winner and a threat,” said Younis AFP before the team left.

“Archer has strong nerves that he demonstrated by bowling a crucial World Cup final super-over,” said Younis of England’s exciting win over New Zealand at Lord’s last year.

“He has a bite in bowling and his action with high arms is very good and gives him a sip of bowling,” he added.

But Younis, who played a key role in Pakistan’s 2-2 draw in England in 2016, with a double in the last test at The Oval, said the Barbados-born Archer can be countered.

“There’s hype around him that can put extra pressure on him. I told the batsmen to play close to the body and play on the back foot because his in-swinger can be very dangerous.”

Younis recalled that he played Sussex Archer in the 2016 Pakistani practice game.

“I remember playing it in a side game,” said Younis of Archer’s first-class debut. “He has five gates in the match, but wasn’t as bowling at the time as he is now.”

Younis, Pakistan’s top scorer in the test run, said Pakistan should also be careful with England’s most experienced bowlers – James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

“Anderson and Broad have a wealth of experience. They are always a great couple. Whenever England wins, they have the largest share, but in August the weather will be dry and not very cloudy so that they can be handled properly.”

Pakistan must score 300-350 points in the first innings to challenge England in bowling, the coach said.

The squad has a new pace battery with the lanky Shaheen Shah Afridi as spearhead, supported by 17-year-old Naseem Shah and Mohammad Abbas, who also played a key role on the 2018 tour.

“You are facing challenges in England as both your technique and your nerves are put to the test. I am sure that our team is up to the task,” said Younis.

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