Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer announced himself to the world in the most dramatic way possible, bowling the super over that won England the 2019 World Cup final against New Zealand at Lord's. That night his nerve under pressure matched his raw pace, and he became an instant national hero.

Born in Barbados, Archer first turned heads in county cricket with Sussex, his startling speed earning him a rapid rise. Holding a British passport through his English father, he qualified for England in early 2019 and made his Test debut in that summer's Ashes, striking Steve Smith on the neck in a fearsome spell at Lord's. He took 22 wickets in the series, including six for 45 at Headingley.

Injuries have brutally interrupted his career. Repeated elbow stress fractures and back trouble kept him out of international cricket for long stretches, with England managing his workload carefully. His white-ball skills stayed sharp throughout: his death-bowling accuracy and vicious bouncer make him a cornerstone of England's limited-overs attack whenever fit.

Archer's ability to combine 90 mph pace with precision singles him out. In 2025 he returned to Test cricket after more than four years away, taking wickets against India, and rejoined Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. At his best he is a match-winner in any format, and England still hopes to see a fully fit Archer charging in for years to come.