England fast bowler Jofra Archer has made a remarkable return to Test cricket after a four-year absence, featuring in the ongoing Lord’s Test against India. The 30-year-old pacer has shown he hasn’t lost his edge, delivering what is considered the fastest over of his Test career. During the 73rd over, Jofra Archer bowled six deliveries at an average speed of 148 km/h, demonstrating his raw pace and fitness.
In fact, he had already made an impression earlier, in the 71st over, where he consistently clocked 150, 147, 147, 148, 149, and 150 km/h. His relentless four-over spell after the lunch break kept Indian batsmen under pressure. By the end of India’s first innings, Jofra Archer had bowled 23.2 overs, conceding just 52 runs and taking two wickets an impressive feat on his Test comeback.
The match itself has already entered the history books. Both India and England scored 387 runs in their first innings only the ninth time in Test cricket history where both teams have posted identical scores. It’s the first such occurrence since 2015, and this 387-run parity ranks as the fifth-highest among identical first-innings totals in Test history.
India’s batting effort was highlighted by superb performances from Lokesh Rahul and Rishabh Pant, who both set new milestones during the innings. Their individual brilliance, combined with Archer’s electrifying pace, has made the Lord’s Test a memorable and historic clash so far.
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FAQ
1. When did Jofra Archer last play a Test match before this comeback?
Jofra Archer returned to Test cricket after a gap of four years, having last played in 2021 before battling recurring injuries.
2. What was special about Archer’s performance in this Test?
He bowled his fastest-ever over in Test cricket, averaging 148 km/h, and took 2 wickets for 52 runs in 23.2 overs.
3. How did both teams perform in the first innings?
Both India and England scored 387 runs in their first innings a rare occurrence and the fifth-highest identical first-innings total in Test history.