After a prolonged absence from the longest format of the game, England's star speedster Jofra Archer made a memorable return on Day 2 of the Lord's Test against India.
Jofra Archer guns down Yashasvi Jaiswal in style
In a sensational start to his Test return, Jofra Archer made an immediate impact with his stunning bowling. Archer struck with just his third ball, dismissing India's in-form opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal. Archer's inclusion in the England playing XI for the third Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India saw him take the place of Josh Tongue. This match marked Archer's first selection in the Test playing XI for England in over four years. His last appearance in red-ball international cricket was back in 2021 during a match against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Prior to his Test comeback, Archer had participated in only one match for Sussex against Durham, where he bowled 18 overs and managed to secure a single wicket.
Archer was given his first opportunity to bowl in the Lord's Test on Day 2. He was introduced in the second over and immediately showcased excellent rhythm, consistently clocking speeds in excess of 145 KMPH.
On the third delivery of that over, Archer bowled a sharp, seaming delivery at a speed of 145 kmph, targeting the off stump of Yashasvi Jaiswal. The Indian batsman was positioned on the back foot, intending to guide the ball towards the leg side. However, the ball caught the leading edge of his bat, sending it directly into the hands of Harry Brook, who was stationed at second slip. Following this impactful dismissal, Jofra Archer celebrated with unrestrained enthusiasm before sharing a congratulatory hug with Shoaib Bashir. Jaiswal, having scored just 13 runs, walked back to the pavilion in disappointment.
This is how Jofra Archer celebrated after taking Yashasvi Jaiswal's wicket
Jaiswal's wicket left India reeling at 13/1. KL Rahul (14) and Karun Nair (26) then rescued India's boat and took them to 53/1 as of 16.3 overs.