Clocking speeds close to 93 mph (150 km/h), Archer showed that his pace and rhythm haven’t deserted him despite the long injury layoff. His sharp, hostile bowling reminded everyone of the weapon he can be in English conditions, especially at a venue like Lord’s where he made headlines in the 2019 Ashes series with a fiery duel against Steve Smith
Jofra Archer (Pic: AFP)
England fast bowler Jofra Archer made a sensational return to Test cricket, striking in just his first over after more than four years on the sidelines. Playing his first Test since February 2021, Archer wasted no time in making his presence felt, removing India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal with only his third delivery at Lord’s.
His second ball beat Jaiswal with pace and movement, and off the very next delivery, the Indian opener edged to Harry Brook at second slip. The ball carried comfortably, and Archer was immediately swarmed by his jubilant England teammates.
Welcome back @JofraArcher 😍 pic.twitter.com/VxM8uLAAkh
— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) July 11, 2025
Clocking speeds close to 93 mph (150 km/h), Archer showed that his pace and rhythm haven’t deserted him despite the long injury layoff. His sharp, hostile bowling reminded everyone of the weapon he can be in English conditions, especially at a venue like Lord’s where he made headlines in the 2019 Ashes series with a fiery duel against Steve Smith.
Archer’s comeback has been long-awaited and hard-earned. After bursting onto the international scene in 2019, just months after switching allegiance from the West Indies to England, he quickly became a household name. His breakout moment came in the dramatic 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he played a crucial role in England’s historic triumph, including bowling the decisive Super Over in the final against New Zealand.
However, Archer’s career was soon derailed by a string of injuries, most notably recurring issues with his right elbow. These problems forced him out of action for extended periods and led to two surgeries. The physical setbacks were as challenging as the mental toll of constant rehabilitation and uncertainty. For much of the last few years, Archer has been limited to short-format appearances and stints in franchise cricket whenever fit.
His last Test appearance before this match came against India in Ahmedabad in February 2021. Since then, doubts over his Test future had grown, especially given England’s evolving fast-bowling stocks and the demands of the longest format. But Archer’s return at Lord’s has not only silenced doubts but has also reignited hope that he can once again become a central figure in England’s red-ball plans.
If this fiery first spell is anything to go by, Archer is far from done.
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