England pacer Jofra Archer announced his return to the Test format in style. Taking the field for the first time in over four years, the 30-year-old struck early, dismissing India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal with a fiery delivery in his very first over. Returning to red-ball cricket after 1,596 days, Archer clocked 145 kmph to remove the Indian opener. Jaiswal, attempting a defensive push, edged the ball to Harry Brook at second slip, giving England a crucial early breakthrough and marking a memorable comeback for the pacer who has battled persistent injury setbacks. The focus now shifts to whether Archer can maintain the intensity throughout the Test. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri drew a parallel to Jasprit Bumrah’s comeback, highlighting the unpredictability of such returns. “I’ve seen that happening with Bumrah, when he had a layoff of a year, year and a half. When he came back, all eyes were on where he would be 10 days from now. After he bowled that first stint for Mumbai Indians, four overs, looked great—how will he pull up the next day? That is the million-dollar question,” Shastri said on Sky Sports Cricket. “If Jofra can go through it, I mean it’s the game. Let’s hope all goes well,” he added.
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England pacer Mark Wood also weighed in on Archer’s return: “I’m sure he’ll be nervous as any player would be, but I think he’d cope well. He’s been in high-pressure situations before and I think he’ll use that nervous energy and adrenaline to push him through.” Questions remain on how Archer’s body will respond once the adrenaline fades, but for now, he’s made an immediate impact in the 3rd Test.
