England star Jofra Archer takes wicket off 3rd ball on long-awaited return to test cricket

By Canadian Press on July 11, 2025.

England pace bowler Jofra Archer has made an immediate impact in his first test match in 4 1/2 years, taking a wicket off his third ball to remove India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal at Lord’s.

There was a buzz around a packed crowd at the home of cricket on Friday when Archer took the ball for England’s second over of India’s innings in the third test.

Off Archer’s second ball, Jaiswal played and missed and, off the next one, he edged the Barbados-born quick to Harry Brook at second slip. Archer was mobbed by his England teammates.

Archer was bowling as fast as 93 mph (150 kmh), a reminder of his worth to England after so many years away because of injuries.

He exploded onto the international scene in 2019 — soon after switching nationality — in playing a starring role in England’s victory over New Zealand in the 50-over Cricket World Cup final. He has been blighted by a succession of injuries since, chiefly because of nagging issues with his right elbow for which he has undergone two operations.

Archer’s most recent test appearance for his adopted country was against India in Ahmedabad in February 2021.

Archer was out for 4 when he batted earlier Friday, but made a bigger splash with the ball in his hand. His first over was a wicket maiden.

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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

Steve Douglas, The Associated Press