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Archer an inspiration for England rookie quick Turner

tennis17 September 2024 12:30| © AFP
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Jofra Archer © Getty images

John Turner is eager to see how he matches up to fellow fast bowler Jofra Archer as he bids to make his England debut against Australia this month.

Hampshire quick Turner, 23, will be vying with the likes of Archer, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Olly Stone and Reece Topley for a place in the team.

But England, with five one-day internationals (ODIs) in 11 days against 50-over world champions Australia starting at Trent Bridge on Thursday, could rotate their fast bowlers.

Johannesburg-born Turner is capable of bowling in excess of 90 mph (145 kmh), but accepts he has a way to go to rival express quick Archer.

"I've never spent time in the same team as Jof and I probably won't be as quick as him," Turner said Tuesday. "But if I'm bowling with him, if I see his speed on the board, I'll be like 'let me see if I can match him'.

"I'm naturally competitive and I'll want to try be the quickest. It's not trying to necessarily be, but it's probably healthy competition if we have that as well. We'll bring out the best of everyone."

Turner, an unused squad member during England's tour to the Caribbean last year, has found form in recent weeks with Hampshire and Hundred side Trent Rockets after missing the start of the season with injury.

And while he said "pace is my point of difference," Turner stressed there was more to his game than sheer speed alone.

"I do have one or two other skills and I'm also looking to improve other skills. White-ball stuff is just variations, having probably more options to go to and then getting better at executing them," he explained.

"Then red-ball stuff, just being more consistent and probably a bit more skilful with swing or nip and setting up batsmen. The more you play the better you'll naturally get.

"I definitely would say I'm in a much better place now than I was this time last year, but I've still got quite a long way to go. I'm not anywhere near the finished product."

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