Follow UsEngland pacer Jofra Archer returned to Test cricket after 1598 days, and instantly made an impact for England by getting Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal caught in the slips in the third Test at Lord's.
Archer, who was out of Test cricket since February 24, 2021, due to a series of injuries, finally returned to the Test arena after a long rehabilitation program with just one first-class game before his return. Despite featuring in first-class cricket before the second Test, the concerns were whether he would survive the gruelling workload of a Test.
However, he was right up to the mark and bowling in the high 140s kmph. He was bowling over the wicket to left-hander Jaiswal and was seaming the ball out after pitching. Jaiswal, who had begun India’s reply to England with a violent slash for four, edged a delivery to Harry Brook at slips, which moved just a tad bit away after pitching. Jaiswal failed to cover the line, and hence the ball caught his outside edge.
Archer has had an up-and-down Test career so far, with 42 wickets in 13 Tests at an average of 31.04. However, he had a great memory at Lord’s as this was where he concussed Steve Smith with his fiery bowling in the 2019 Ashes series, which announced his arrival to cricket fans worldwide.
He would hope that his second innings in Test cricket continues well from here on. He has already registered himself on the wicket charts, and England would hope that he can continue to make a consistent impact in the Test series ahead.