 "Ashwin's comment on Jofra Archer comes back to haunt him as England pacer dismantles India")
England fast bowler Jofra Archer silenced his critics in style, including former India star Ravichandran Ashwin, with a stunning performance on Day 5 of the third Test at Lord’s. Archer’s brilliant delivery that bowled Rishabh Pant was one of the turning points of the match, as India’s hopes of chasing down 193 started to fall apart.
India were already struggling at 58/4 at stumps on Day 4, and they needed 135 more runs to win when play began on Monday. With KL Rahul and Pant at the crease, fans were hoping for a fightback. But Archer had other plans.
On the fifth ball of the 21st over, Archer produced a beauty that beat Pant’s defence and knocked over the off stump. It was a dream delivery and a huge wicket in the context of the game as Pant walked back for just 9 runs. Archer then caught and bowled Washington Sundar for a duck. He had dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck on the previous day.
Ashwin’s take on Bumrah backfires
Meanwhile, Ashwin had criticised Archer just hours before the start of play on Day 5. On his YouTube channel, the former India all-rounder had questioned Archer’s performance. “I am very sorry to say that Jofra Archer, he is not prepared for a Test match,” Ashwin had said.
“He bowled a good first spell in the first innings, but England do need Jofra Archer to turn up on Day 5. At 58/4, there are only two England bowlers that are bowling really well. They are Ben Stokes and, luckily, Brydon Carse has found the right length. Otherwise, this England bowling attack is looking absolutely pedestrian,” he added.
Ashwin had still backed England to win the match, calling them favourites. England turned up on Day 5 with fire in their eyes as they dismantled India’s middle-order in the first session itself. Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes picked up the remaining two wickets before lunch as India were left reeling 112/8.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“England are favorites to win this Test match, at this point in time. It is a big prediction. I think England are favorites to win this Test match, but the two people who have a chance to change this game are KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant,” Ashwin said.
Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah are currently forging a crucial partnership as India are 55 runs behind at the time of writing this story.
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