After Joffra Archer at Stokes Lords in Lord’s, England, leads England on a 2–1 lead

Jofra Archer returns with a bang

Almost 5 years since he last played a Test match, Jofra Archer instantly made a mark. In his very first over, he sent Yashasvi Jaiswal packing. He consistently bowled over 140kmph, and ensured India did not get the lead with the wicket of Washington Sundar. However, it was the second innings where Archer made the best impact. Jaiswal was once again dismissed in his first over. He put England in the driver’s seat with the wickets of Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar in successive overs. England’s bowling looked flat in the first two tests, but Archer’s return has added some bite and freshness to their attack.

Ben Stokes and big moments

Ben Stokes’ form has come from criticism throughout the India vs England series. However, the England captain has largely been their best bowler. And when his side needed it the most, Stokes delivered again. The 34-year-old dismissed nightwatchman Akash Deep in the final over on Day 4 and got the big fish KL Rahul early on Day 5. This is after he’d struck twice in the first innings and got Rishabh Pant run out with some stunning athletic work. Stokes won England their only 50-over World Cup on this day in 2019 and now he added a vital Test win to his cap.