Joe Root declared it a pure joy to witness Jofra Archer’s latest fast bowling theatre at Lord’s after the 2019 World Cup hero struck with his third ball back in Test cricket.
Archer, 30, had a full house of 30,000 on its feet when he ended a four-year absence with a ferocious first over from the pavilion end, including the dismissal of India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.
‘It was class, wasn’t it? That atmosphere – it was a genuine joy seeing him back playing Test cricket. Everyone’s excitement to see him playing again,’ said Root.
‘Bowling 94mph, getting a wicket first over, that’s the kind of player he is. He’s clearly X-factor. Someone that does things others can’t. He complements nicely what we’ve already got in the attack.
‘It’s a bit like India turning to Jasprit Bumrah. He can create something different for you. It’s great to see him being so impactful and keeping his pace up. There’s more to come from him.’
Root began the day unbeaten on 99, having woken up at 1.30am playing every possible dismissal over in his head, and although he put overnight jitters behind him by celebrating a 37th Test hundred, he was dismissed soon afterwards by Bumrah, who marked his return after being rested in India’s win at Edgbaston last week with a five-wicket haul.
Jofra Archer has been branded England’s Jasprit Bumrah by batting star Joe Root
Bumrah is the leader of India’s attack and the No 1 ranked bowler in Test cricket currently
Root, meanwhile, described it as ‘a genuine joy seeing him (Archer) back playing Test cricket’
England looked like folding in the wake of Bumrah’s burst, but a partnership of 84 between Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse hoisted them to 387 and India resume this morning on 145 for three.
Following his five for 75, Bumrah reckoned a match on a sluggish surface is finely balanced, adding: ‘We don’t come here very often. You never know how many matches you’ll get to play here. As a child, you see a lot of Test cricket played here. Being on the honours board feels good.’
