Who is the Jofra Archer lookalike seen fielding as a substitute on Day 3 of the ENG vs IND 5th Test?
A look at who is the Jofra Archer lookalike seen fielding as a substitute on Day 3 of the ENG vs IND 5th Test?
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There was a moment during the first hour of the third day between England and India in the fifth Test at the Kennington Oval when the camera found a new player who looked like Jofra Archer. Suddenly, questions popped up among the fans about the individual’s name. Many don’t know the youngster, but he has helped the Indian side at the Gabba during last year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25.
It was Nathan Barnwell from Surrey. The 22-year-old is a right-handed all-rounder who has played only one first-class game for Surrey against Middlesex three years ago. His recent fixture was against the Somerset side in the 2nd XI encounter, as he smashed 46 runs and picked up five wickets with the ball.
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Barnwell was in Queensland last year when the bowling coach of the Indian side, Morne Morkel, invited him to their net session. He bowled a few deliveries to then number three batter, Shubman Gill, before earning praise from the former Protea pacer. Barnwell idolizes Michael Holding and Jofra Archer.
Jofra Archer lookalike Nathan Barnwell aims to play for England and in the IPL
The connection between Barnwell and Morkel was established when the lanky South Africa-born went on to play for the club in 2022. ‘I wasn’t signed then, but I was in the academy when he was there in his last year. So, I got to learn about him back then, and it was good to catch up. That’s the first time I’ve seen him since then. So, good to catch up with him. I wasn’t talking too much about bowling, just about what I’m doing out here, my plans, stuff like that.’ He said to RevSportz.
Barnwell’s parents re from Guyana, but he was born in South London. He had already picked tips from Gus Atkinson and Chris Jordan to aim for the future. He found a good pace and bounce off the surface, which pushed Ryan Ten Doeschate to inquire about his availability for the future nets of the Indian side.
‘You don’t often get to do it. To have a good spell against someone who’s at the top of their game, at the top of the world, is very fun. I’m working on a few things, so it’s good to try them out against him. But he’s a great player, and I want to keep watching.’ Barnwell said, who has ambitions of playing for England and featuring in the IPL.
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