- Ben Stokes was unhappy at Jofra Archer
England’s time on Australian soil during the Ashes has been forgettable so far – and the tension between captain Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer on the field in Adelaide on Thursday showed the tourists are on the verge of imploding.
Stokes’ men were chasing quick wickets on day two, which was why the skipper tossed the ball to his lead paceman.
But instead of bowling at the stumps, Archer tried to intimidate Australia’s tail-end batters with a barrage of short-pitched deliveries.
It didn’t work, with Mitchell Starc – who has considerable claims to now be classified as an all-rounder – blasting another half-century.
While Archer eventually had his measure – and finished with a five-wicket haul – Stokes was clearly frustrated with his best bowler.
Speaking in commentary for Channel 7, cricket legend Ricky Ponting felt the on-field exchange between the pair summed up England’s fortunes on what has been a series to forget so far.
England’s time on Australian soil during the Ashes has been forgettable so far – and the tension between Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer in Adelaide on Thursday showed the tourists are on the verge of imploding
Ben Stokes is desperate to win an Ashes series in Australia – but far too many of his teammates haven’t aimed up
Speaking in commentary for Channel 7, cricket legend Ricky Ponting was scathing in his assessment of Jofra Archer
‘It is unacceptable and we see it too often. Jofra Archer bowling at 135km/h when he has 150km in his locker,’ Ponting told viewers.
‘How many times do you see Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc or Josh Hazlewood bowl slower than their top speed?
‘Jofra sets the tone for the team, he needs to be better than he was.’
Despite Ponting’s savage assessment, Archer’s response in the City of Churches was impressive given he was lampooned in Brisbane by Steve Smith late in the second Test at the Gabba.
England’s spearhead finished with economical figures of 5/53 from 20.2 overs, and constantly had Australia’s batters on the backfoot or ducking bouncers.
Much to Archer’s frustration, the Aussie lower-order chipped in with some valuable runs, notably Starc’s 54.
Crucially, the likes of Scott Boland (14 not out) and Nathan Lyon (9) also occupied valuable time at the crease.
The hosts only need a draw in Adelaide to retain the Ashes urn.
