The value of Jofra Archer's signature gold necklace has been thrust into the spotlight during the Ashes, with an Australian fine jeweller estimating it could be worth around A$80,000 (approximately £42,000). The revelation comes as the England fast bowler's form and pace have come under intense scrutiny, with the tourists 2-0 down in the series.
The Chain and the Criticism
Archer, who has taken just three wickets in the series so far (one in Brisbane and two in Perth), faced pointed commentary from former Australian fast bowler Ryan Harris. Analysing Archer's performance for SEN Radio, Harris questioned whether the weighty accessory was affecting the bowler's speed. "If he takes it off, he might be able to bowl quicker," Harris said. "We all know you've got a bit of money, mate – take it off, will ya?"
Harris also suggested Archer, who returned to Test cricket in July after a four-year injury absence, might be lacking match readiness for the long format, noting his recent cricket has largely been short-form. "His body is wrecked – we know that. He's got a bad elbow. It's bloody hard to bowl fast, and you have got to practise it, and do a lot of it," Harris added.
Jeweller's Verdict and On-Field Flashpoints
However, jeweller Andrew Rahme of Midas Jewellers offered a different perspective to Yahoo Sport Australia. After examining the piece, he believes it is an 18-carat hollow chain weighing roughly 150 grams. "I'd say it's worth around $80,000... It's not the sort of thing you'd leave lying around a dressing-room," Rahme stated. Contrary to Harris's view, he speculated the chain might even distract batsmen: "It doesn't look so solid and probably jingles a bit."
The debate intensified following a fiery exchange at The Gabba. After Archer increased his speed to over 140km/h during Australia's second innings, stand-in skipper Steve Smith delivered a brutal sledge, caught on the stump mic: "[You only] bowl fast when there's nothing going on, champion." This came after Archer had earlier challenged Smith about a shot he played.
England's Uphill Battle in Adelaide
With the series on the line, England captain Ben Stokes has demanded more "fight" from his team ahead of the must-win third Test in Adelaide, beginning Wednesday. Stokes confirmed "proper meaningful conversations" had been held after the eight-wicket defeat in Brisbane.
The team has been reshuffled, with Josh Tongue recalled in place of Gus Atkinson. In a surprising move, specialist spinner Shoaib Bashir was overlooked again, with batting all-rounder Will Jacks retained as the spin option. "We just feel having Jacksy down at No. 8 strengthens our batting a little bit," Stokes explained, acknowledging the tough decision for Bashir.
Stokes defined the required mentality simply: "It's about trying to fight in every situation... and show a bit of dog. That's fight to me." England will need all that and more to overturn a 2-0 deficit against an Australian side welcoming back their premier spinner, Nathan Lyon.
