Jofra Archer’s return after 4 years starts with first-over wicket at Lord’s, troubles India’s top 3

Jofra Archer announced his return to red-ball cricket in style with a first-over wicket in IND vs ENG 3rd Test at Lord's

Jofra Archer announced his comeback to Test cricket in style with a breathtaking first spell. The England pacer returned to the red-ball setup for the first time since 2021, making his much-awaited comeback in IND vs ENG 3rd Test at Lord’s. The fans didn’t have to wait much to see Archer let the ball do the talking as he got his prey in his first over itself.

Archer sends Jaiswal packing

Archer started off his spell with a 141 kmph delivery to Jaiswal. While the next one narrowly missed the outside edge, the third – a 145 kmph delivery – managed to get Jaiswal’s leading edge which was caught at the second slip by Harry Brook. Within an over of his return to Test cricket, Archer managed to not only get his first wicket in 4 years but also dismiss a key threat.

Archer finished the rest of his first over with deliveries bowled at 151, 147, 145 and 145 kmph. The pacer next troubled Karun Nair in the 4th over, not allowing the number 3 batter to settle. Overall, he bowled 5 overs in his first spell on return to Test cricket, conceding just 16 runs for a wicket.

Earlier this year, Archer made a comeback in the County Championship following prolonged elbow issues. The last time Archer played a red-ball match was back in 2021 against Kent in the County Championship after suffering an elbow injury during India vs England Test series earlier that year. However, his return to red-ball cricket was short-lived. Archer continued to struggle with his elbow. But with no relief, Archer underwent surgery on his right elbow after the Sussex vs Kent match.