England pacer Jofra Archer has responded to Steve Smith’s comments ahead of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, saying that he can’t get the Aussie out if he isn’t on the crease.
Smith, who was ruled out of the third Test at Headingley after been hit by a 92-mph Archer bouncer during the second Test at Lord’s, scored two century and 92 in his three innings before being ruled due to a concussion.
However, ahead of his return on Thursday in a tour match against Derbyshire, Smith took a blunt jibe at the English pacer, saying that all the other bowlers have had more success against him, but Archer is yet to get him out.
Responding to the comments, Archer had a witty response ready in his sleeves.
"Well, I can't get him out if he wasn't there. But there'll be more than ample time to get him out.” Archer said.
Read | Other bowlers have had more success against me than Archer, says Smith
"I'm not saying I won't get him out but if we don't get him out there are 10 other people we can get out and if he's stranded on 40 that's not helping his team too much. He can't do it all himself. We want to win the game. I'm not here to get caught up in a contest with one man. I want to win the Ashes," Archer added.
Meanwhile, Smith was seen trying the stem-guard protection on the back of his neck during the nets on Wednesday.
“I've tried them before and I tried them the other day when I was batting and I reckon my heart rate went up by 30 or 40 straight away,” said Smith.
“I just felt claustrophobic. I compare it to being stuck in an MRI scan machine.
“It was different but I think at some point they will become compulsory so I will have to get used to them. And I'm sure the more I wear them, the more I practice in them, my heart rate will come down and everything will be OK.”
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Paul Ellis
