Archer's x-factor can translate to Tests: Buttler

Dynamic batsman Jos Buttler says uncapped paceman Jofra Archer brings the x-factor to an England side looking to bounce back in the Ashes at Lord's from Wednesday.

Archer is line to replace injured veteran James Anderson and make his Test debut at Lord's in the second Ashes Test following England's 251-run loss at Edgbaston in the series' opener.

The 24-year-old is one of the most potent white-ball bowlers in the world and proved he can cope under intense pressure, just, after bowling the unforgettable Super Over in England's World Cup final win last month.

If Archer plays his maiden Test at Lord's, Buttler is confident the Barbados-born express fast bowler can make an impact at the highest level.

"He's got that x-factor, hasn't he?" Buttler said at Lord's on Saturday.

"I think in his short international career so far we've seen what an impact he's had.

"He's got amazing skills with the white ball but talking to him I think he prefers bowling with a red one.

"He just brings that x-factor to every game that he's played in, whether it's T20 and one-dayers.

"It's really exciting for the world to see him in the Test arena."

Image Id: 115981E1A3974A8AAEB203F922A50D23 Image Caption: Archer bowls for the Sussex 2nd XI prior to the second Ashes Test // Getty

Archer's lack of red-ball overs – he has not played a first-class game since September 2017 – saw him overlooked for the first Ashes Test in Birmingham having recovered from a side injury he carried through the World Cup.

But the right-armer bowled 31.1 overs in a three-day Second XI match for Sussex this week, taking 7-105 for the match whilst also hitting a 99-ball 108.

While Archer is new to Test cricket, he is not unfamiliar with the Australians, particularly Tim Paine and Matthew Wade, who have played with the quick at the Hobart Hurricanes in the KFC BBL.

But Archer's name has barely been mentioned in the Australian camp, according to Australia batsman Marnus Labuschagne.

"To be fair, we haven't really talked much about his (Archer's) inclusion yet," Labuschagne said on Saturday.

"We know he's quality bowler but we're ready for it and they (Paine and Wade) have played white ball (cricket) with him.

"He's not unknown with the red ball but he's definitely made his mark with the white ball.

Image Id: 3BBF7A11BB7F46E695CDAB2F6FF23366 Image Caption: Matthew Wade and Jofra Archer on field for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL // Getty

"So with the red ball it's going to be a different game and we're going to need to be adaptable and make sure we're on our game."

Should Archer play at Lord's he'll be confronted with the challenge of dismissing Australia's run-machine Steve Smith.

Former England captain Mike Atherton believes Archer's extra pace can trouble Smith, who posted twin centuries in Birmingham to take his overall Test hundred tally to 25.

Buttler played with Smith in the Indian Premier League this year but he could not find a weakness in the Australian's game during their time together on the subcontinent.

"I think what he does do is put you under pressure for a long period of time to be the best you can be as a team and obviously for the bowlers with the ball," Buttler said.

"He demands you being good for a long period of time and if you can't do that, he's obviously a fantastic player who can take advantage of that.

"He's been one of the best players in the world for a while now and that's the challenge of playing Test cricket and against Australia, you come up against the best players in the world and that's what makes you excited to come and play."

2019 Qantas Ashes Tour of England

Australia squad: Tim Paine (c), Cameron Bancroft, Pat Cummins, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner.

England squad: Joe Root (c), Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes (vc), Chris Woakes.

First Test: Australia beat England by 251 runs at Edgbaston

Second Test: August 14-18,Lord's

Third Test: August 22-26, Headingley

Tour match: Australians v Derbyshire, August 29-31

Fourth Test: September 4-8, Old Trafford

Fifth Test: September 12-16, The Oval