Jofra Archer’s pace holds no fear for Australian batsmen at the World Cup insists Glenn Maxwell

In Jofra Archer and Mark Wood tournament favourites England have two of the quickest bowlers at this World Cup. But, says Glenn Maxwell, Australia’s batsmen will relish taking them on.

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England’s attack holds no fears for Australia, with the express pace of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood ideal for a top order that faces Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins in the nets.

The powerhouse nations will face off in a much-needed World Cup blockbuster at Lord’s on Tuesday in what could be a preview of the final given both teams are on track for the knockout rounds.

Explosive weapon Glenn Maxwell said Archer bowled with “effortless pace” and he sits third on the World Cup wickets list with an economy rate of just 4.8 runs per over.

Mark Wood and Jofra Archer are two of the quickest bowlers in this World Cup.

“I think they’ll (Australia’s batsmen) be more excited by that (Archer and Wood’s extreme pace) than someone bowling 120s (km),” Maxwell said.

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“That sort of pace suits our batting line-up a bit more — a bit more pace on the ball and something we’re a bit more used to.

“It’s a challenge we’re up for. We certainly get enough practice in the nets, that’s for sure.

Archer’s hot start to the World Cup has swelled talk the excitement machine should be rushed into England’s Ashes squad.

Archer, who has T20 figures of 2/10 (12 balls) against Maxwell, has taken 12 World Cup wickets courtesy of four three-wicket hauls.

Glenn Maxwell was on fire against Bangladesh before he was run out.

“He’s a hell of an athlete and he can hit them at the back end as well. He’s a quality package,” Maxwell said.

England has a 12-2 recent record over Australia although Maxwell’s mob has won 18 of its past 20 matches, including the 5-1 run in warm-up games.

Maxwell also declared legspinner Adam Zampa’s 1/68 (nine overs) against Bangladesh his sharpest work of the World Cup.

“I thought (Thursday) was the best he’s bowled in a while,” Maxwell said of his Big Bash teammate.

“In other times he’s bowled not as well but still taken wickets. That’s always been the challenge, and I’m pretty close to him in the field as well, and talking to him and making sure he’s still doing his thing.

“I thought today he bowled really well. Unfortunately a couple of big hits off his good balls, which is something you expect as a spinner.

“If he keeps putting the ball in the right areas he’s going to keep getting wickets, it’s just the nature of one-day cricket.

“Some days your best ball goes for six and that’s just the way it is.”

Zampa was dropped after the India game, missing wins against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, but was again favoured ahead of Nathan Lyon and returned against Bangladesh.

Originally published as Jofra Archer’s pace holds no fear for Australian batsmen at the World Cup insists Glenn Maxwell