After his impressive return to Test cricket in the third match against India at Lord’s, former England captain Joe Root called Jofra Archer the team’s X-factor.
He dismissed Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal with his third delivery, a crisp leg-stump line delivery that took the leading edge and sailed to the slip cordon. He made a remarkable red-ball comeback with speeds in the mid 140s (kph).
The ace England batter lauded the 30-year-old quick, who has struggled with injuries since debuting internationally. He praised Jofra Archer for being a rare match-winner who could flip games with brief, explosive spells and stressed the importance of having him back.
Jofra Archer made an immediate impact in his first Test debut in four years.
It was class, right? Just pure excitement at seeing him play Test cricket again. Taking that wicket, making things happen—the effect he provides to the group is big in the dressing room and on the pitch’, Root told India Today after Day 2 at Lord’s.
His white-ball cricket for England and IPL performances have showed him to be an X-factor. He appears in major games and performs things others can’t. He did that again today, he said.
The Caribbean pacer’s wicket of Jaiswal set the tone for England early in the innings. Root believes the speedster boosts the bowling unit and gives the squad a competitive edge.
“You’ll say he complements the attack. They must work together to grab 20 wickets at various points to win this game. Root said it was terrific to see him laughing, enjoying his game, and making a big impression early in the innings.
Day 2 ended with India at 145 for 3. KL Rahul’s unbroken 53 in the top order was supported by Rishabh Pant’s composed 19, trailing by 242 runs. Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes also took wickets.
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