Jofra Archer made a remarkable return to Test cricket during the Lord’s Test after a long injury break. In the closely contested third Test between England and India, where England won by 22 runs, Archer quickly made his presence felt. He dismissed opener Yashasvi Jaiswal early in both innings and took crucial wickets of Sundar and Rishabh Pant in the second innings.
As India struggled on day 4, losing four wickets and relying on Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul to stabilize the innings, Jofra Archer dismissal of Pant proved to be a decisive moment on day 5. India ended day 4 at 58/4 with Rahul unbeaten, but Pant, coming in to support Rahul on day 5, faced only 12 balls and scored nine runs before being dismissed. Archer’s impact was key in England’s narrow victory at Lord’s
Jofra Archer Admits “It Wasn’t a Proud Moment” After Sledging Rishabh Pant
Jofra Archer reflected on sledging Rishabh Pant after dismissing him, describing it as “not a proud moment.” The ball struck the top of off stump following Pant’s outside edge to Archer’s full-length delivery, giving England an early breakthrough they never relinquished.
After taking Pant’s wicket, Jofra Archer exchanged a few words with the wicketkeeper-batsman. He said, “I just told him to ‘charge that.’ Honestly, I was struggling a bit this morning as my deliveries kept coming out full. When he charged one of those full balls and it upset me, I was grateful when the ball nipped down the slope to get him out.”
On his Test comeback, Jofra Archer remarked, “It was a hectic one for my first match back. I bowled more overs than I expected. I’ve only played one Test at Lord’s before, and this one felt just as special. It’s been a long wait, but moments like this make it worthwhile. You never know if you’re ready until you actually are.”
Looking ahead, the fourth Test will be held at Manchester’s Old Trafford starting July 23, where India, trailing 1-2 in the series, will look to level the contest and set up an exciting finale.