Former England selector Ed Smith says Jofra Archer’s explosive pace has provided captain Ben Stokes with the “firepower” he needs to win back the Ashes.
Archer was brought into the England fold in 2019 during Smith’s time as national selector between 2018 and 2021.
Barbados-born Archer played an integral part in England’s famous 50-over World Cup win that year and left an impression on the Ashes series that followed.
He endured a torrid period through injury in subsequent years but the 30-year-old has been carefully managed to ensure he was fit for this highly-anticipated series.
“I think everyone who watched Jofra Archer at Lord’s on debut against Australia saw how he can influence matches,” Smith told BBC Sport.
“England currently have access to pace and firepower which could be very important. So, to see him [Archer] fit at the start of the tour is very exciting.
“You don’t need me to remind you of how often extreme pace has influenced a series in Australia.”
Smith also said the decision over whether Ollie Pope or Jacob Bethell should bat at number three in the opening Test in Perth is likely to be more complex than is widely thought.
He added: “I wouldn’t start with who am I am going to put here, who am I going to put there. I’d start with how do you take 20 wickets? How do achieve an element of superiority?
“My view of cricket selections is a bit different to most people. I don’t start with ‘who’s your three? Who’s your five?’
“Rather than individuals, I’m typically more interested in balance and how a team adds up to more than some of its parts. I think that they will be having those [selection] conversations now and then the names will fall out of them.”