Stokes lauds Archer after England’s thrilling Test win over India
Stokes lauds Archer for a sensational comeback that sealed England’s thrilling 22-run win over India in the 3rd Test at Lord’s, coinciding with the sixth anniversary of his 2019 World Cup Super Over heroics. This victory not only gave England a 2-1 lead in the five-match series but also reaffirmed Archer’s place as a match-winner in red-ball cricket. Stokes lauds Archer
🔥 Archer’s Moment of Redemption
After a long injury hiatus plagued by back and elbow issues, Jofra Archer returned to Test cricket like he had never left. His match figures of 5 wickets for 105 runs were a testament to not only his physical resilience but also his unwavering mindset. Stokes lauds Archer
The most symbolic moment arrived when Archer dismissed Rishabh Pant early on Day 5 with a quick ball that jagged in and beat Pant’s charge. The next delivery, a clever slower one, saw Washington Sundar spoon a return catch, and suddenly, the game had shifted in England’s favor. Archer’s controlled aggression stunned the Indian lower order and brought memories flooding back of July 14, 2019 – when he bowled the Super Over to win England its first-ever World Cup. Stokes lauds Archer
🗣️ “It was a gut feeling”: Stokes explains his bold move
Ben Stokes admitted in the post-match press conference that nostalgia influenced his decision to hand the new ball to Archer on Day 5. “Part of the reason I went with Jof this morning was the World Cup Final – six years to the day. I had a feeling he’d crack the game open.” Stokes lauds Archer
Stokes’ decision turned out to be a masterstroke. Brydon Carse had been impressive on Day 4, but the skipper trusted Archer’s big-match temperament. The faith was rewarded as England halted a fierce Indian resistance at 170 all out, defending a modest 192-run target. Stokes lauds Archer
💬 Archer speaks from the heart
Speaking to Sky Sports, Archer was candid about the emotional and physical toll of his rehab journey.
“A lot of rehab, a lot of training but it’s moments like this that make everything worth it.”
The 30-year-old fast bowler acknowledged how tough it had been juggling training schedules, medical supervision, and public expectations. Stokes lauds Archer
“The hardest part was not knowing if I was ready. You think you are, but you never know until you’re out there. But today… today made everything worth it.”
📉 Impact Moments in the Match
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1st Innings Wicket: Archer struck early in the first innings, finding Yashasvi Jaiswal’s edge, which was cleanly caught by Harry Brook. It was the perfect start to his return. Stokes lauds Archer
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2nd Innings Collapse: Archer’s second spell in the fourth innings crushed India’s momentum. He removed Pant and Sundar, putting India in deep trouble.
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Emotional Return: Archer’s animated celebrations—roaring, punching the air—revealed the emotional weight of his comeback. The Lord’s crowd erupted in support, particularly when he walked back to the pavilion. Stokes lauds Archer
📊 Archer’s Match Figures
| Innings | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 16 | 3 | 54 | 2 |
| 2nd | 18 | 5 | 51 | 3 |
| Total | 34 | 8 | 105 | 5 |
Despite the loss, India fought hard, especially through Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 61. However, they fell short by 22 runs. England’s relentless bowling attack, spearheaded by Archer and supported by Bashir and Stokes, proved too strong in the final session. Stokes lauds Archer
This result shifts the momentum firmly in England’s favor heading into the fourth Test at Old Trafford (starting July 23). With 12 World Test Championship points secured, England are now eyeing a series win.
🏆 From World Cup Hero to Test Warrior
That this heroic comeback happened on July 14, exactly six years after Archer’s Super Over magic against New Zealand, wasn’t lost on fans or players. The emotional symmetry of dates made this performance feel like a scripted redemption arc. Stokes lauds Archer
The same player who once had the world on edge at Lord’s in 2019 once again became the center of cricket’s universe—this time with the red ball.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Stokes lauds Archer, not just as a bowler but as a fighter. The leadership shown by Stokes, backed by tactical intuition and emotional resonance, helped England seize a vital win. For Archer, this match may mark a turning point in the second half of his career.
If England go on to win this series, much of the credit will circle back to this match – to the return of Jofra Archer and the captain who believed in him.
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