Jofra Archer crowned Debutant of the Year by ESPNCricinfo

Jofra Archer has been named Debutant of the Year by ESPNCricinfo in their annual awards.

Archer beat Pakistan opening batsman, Abid Ali and Windies off-spinner, Rahkeem Cornwall to the award.

The Sussex and England star said: “I just want to thank the guys at ESPN for awarding me this Debutant of the Year award. I really appreciate it and it’s nice to know my efforts haven’t gone unseen!

“Obviously, everyone is as good as their team, and I wouldn’t be here without the great team I’m in.

“I’ve been welcomed from the very first moment I put an England shirt on, and hopefully the best is yet to come.”

After a meteoric rise with Sussex, Archer made his much-anticipated England debut against Ireland in May last year.

The fast-bowler impressed at Malahide, but it was on his home debut, against Pakistan, where Archer announced himself to international cricket – taking 4-2-6-1 to secure his place in Eoin Morgan’s World Cup squad.

Archer shone as England were named world champions. He took three-wicket hauls in five of England’s opening six matches, finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 20 scalps to his name and held his nerve brilliantly in that unforgettable super-over.

After James Anderson suffered an injury in the opening Ashes Test, Archer was then given his chance to impress for England with the red ball – and he didn’t disappoint.

On his debut at Lord’s, a thrilling battle between Archer and Steve Smith saw the England man reach speeds of 96mph, and he never looked back, taking a total of 22 wickets in the series at 20.27. Archer’s Ashes highlights included 6-45 at Headingley and another six-wicket haul at The Oval.

Speaking after that Test at The Oval, Ben Stokes said: “"I don't think I've seen a more talented bowler in my time.

“When you can bowl 90mph and with the control that he's got, then he is going to be a huge threat anywhere in the world.

“It is very rare for a 24-year-old to be able to come in, be exposed to this environment and then step up and improve game by game as quickly as Jof is doing it."

Everyone at Sussex Cricket would like to congratulate Jofra on his award.