Ashes 2019: Glenn McGrath criticises Jofra Archer for failing to put in ‘hard yards’

The England fast bowler struggled at Old Trafford as Australia went up 2-1 in the series to ensure they will retain the Ashes

Glenn McGrath has criticised Jofra Archer and claimed he is yet to put in the “hard yards” as an England Test bowler in this Ashes series.

Archer has made a tremendous impact in red ball cricket, shining at Lord’s and then producing six wickets in an innings at Headingly.

But after struggling at Old Trafford, where Australia retained the Ashes after going 2-1 up in the series, McGrath has taken aim at Archer.

“Stuart Broad has really stepped up in the absence of James Anderson, which was a huge blow to England,” McGrath wrote in his BBC column.

“Broad has been class, as has Stokes. But England have basically been held together by Stokes and Broad. Take them out of this team and they have been belted by Australia in this series.

“A lot has been made of Jofra Archer but you can’t just fire it up when things are good. You’ve got to do the hard yards as well, and I’m yet to see him do the hard yards.”

McGrath believes Archer must look closely at Pat Cummins in particular if he is to translate to the longer form of the game.

Archer struggled at Old Trafford (Action Images via Reuters)

“Archer can look to the example of Australia’s Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, who have been extremely impressive in this series,” he added.

“Cummins is the No 1 Test bowler in the world for a reason. He just keeps delivering.”