The Bulldogs product and Victorian Premier Cricket star spinner was selected for the Melbourne Renegades Academy, which is currently taking part in the T10 Melbourne Invitational running from April 7-17.
Ahead of the tournament, Renegades T20 high-performance manager Wade Seccombe said the event, which is being streamed on Kayo, was promoted as a showcase for short-form cricket.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our squad to test themselves in a high-pressure environment,” he said.
“The best way to develop as a cricketer is to be out there in the middle, making decisions and executing skills under the pump.
“For those pushing for a Big Bash contract, this is a chance to put their hand up and show what they can do.
“It’s also another big step in the expansion of our program, giving players more exposure to competitive cricket.”
The condensed 10-over format, comprised of Big Bash League franchises Sydney Thunder, Sydney Sixers, Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Stars and the Renegades, features established BBL players and others, like Archer, who are vying for a contract.
And as far as the Tatura spin wiz is concerned, a deal might be on the table at the end of it all.
Archer has lit up the tournament with ball in hand, taking a bag of wickets despite a murky start in his first outing as a Renegade.
He didn’t feature in the first match, while in game two, Archer’s one over went for 1-18 runs as the Renegades lost to the Stars by a run on Tuesday.
However, it’s safe to say he took that personally.
Archer went ballistic in a loss against the Sixers the following day, taking 5-11 off two overs — which included a hat-trick — to remind selectors what he is capable of.
The danger leggie scalped 2-19 off two in a four-run win over the Stars on Friday and was at it again at the weekend, snaring 3-18 off two against the Strikers on Saturday and adding another wicket on Sunday against the Thunder.
Archer currently leads the competition for wickets taken with 12 and he’ll get a chance to add more to the tally on Tuesday as the Renegades suit up for games against the Strikers and Sixers.
