\n<\/p>\n
You wouldn’t have guessed it from his performance, but Jofra Archer was nervous ahead of his first competitive match in 17 months.<\/span><\/p>\n Though the player-of-the-match award went to youngster Dewald Brevis for his unbeaten 70 off 41 balls, Archer was just as influential, collecting 3-27 while bowling 12 dot balls across his four overs.<\/span><\/p>\n “Understandably there were a few nerves flying around,” said Stone, who impressed as well with two wickets, including that of a set Jos Buttler who he bowled with a low full toss. <\/span><\/p>\n “[Archer] didn’t say too much but I think from past experience, if you’re not nervous then there is something wrong. I think nerves are a good thing. He’s obviously been through a lot. <\/span><\/p>\n “I think the smile on his face at the end of the game the other night showed a lot about him. And to be out for that length of time and put in a performance like that, he’s just shown his class and I think he will do throughout this competition.”<\/span><\/p>\n Archer, 27, needed three balls to claim his first victim after an absence of 541 days.<\/span><\/p>\n Archer’s first ball was a gem: back of a length, around the middle stump, nibbling away from the left-handed Wihan Lubbe at pace. It’s as if he’d never been away.<\/span><\/p>\n “It was amazing,” Stone said of Archer’s display. “He’s shown his class over the years in franchise and international cricket. I know his pain, I’ve been there myself. <\/span><\/p>\n “So to see him go out there and wicket-maiden first up to announce himself back on the stage, it’s great to see. I love seeing people run in and bowl fast and excite the crowd and getting the people up on their feet.<\/span><\/p>\n