Jofra Archer’s express pace will be “nothing new” for the West Indies, insists head coach Floyd Reifer.

West Indies boss Reifer expects England’s Barbados-born Archer to be amped up for Friday’s World Cup clash.

Archer played for the West Indies Under-19s but qualified for England in March through residency and his British father, and could make just his seventh one-day international appearance in Southampton.

Archer, right, will face the West Indies for the first time since becoming eligible for England in March
Archer, right, will face the West Indies for the first time since becoming eligible for England in March (Tim Goode/PA)

The 24-year-old has already lit up the World Cup with his fearsome seam bowling, but West Indies boss Reifer remains unfazed.

“To be honest we knew Jofra from a long time ago in Barbados; he’s not new to us,” said Reifer.

“Yes he’s bowling quickly but that’s nothing new and nothing we’re not accustomed to.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge, so we’ll see how we go on Friday. We’re all here to entertain.

“I’m sure Jofra will come out fired up but we’ll be ready for him.”

Archer has insisted Friday’s pivotal clash at the Hampshire Bowl will be just another match, but his twin heritage suggests otherwise.

And so did West Indies boss Reifer’s terse answer when quizzed on whether he would have wanted Archer to represent his side, where he simply replied: “He made his choice.”

Reifer was complimentary over Archer’s progress however, admitting the genuinely quick bowler always had international pedigree.

Archer has taken nine wickets in six one-day internationals for England
Archer has taken nine wickets in six one-day internationals for England (Nigel French/PA)

Asked if Archer had grown up with the potential to play at international level, Reifer replied: “Yes definitely.

“He had a few injuries as a young guy, but I’m guessing he’s over those now.

“I knew him from the Under-17s and Under-19s days. I actually played club cricket against him, as a young guy.

“He’s a tremendous talent, so we’re looking forward to the game on Friday.”