Jofra Archer Makes History with Five-Wicket Haul and Half-Century in Australia

Historic Performance by Jofra Archer

Adelaide [Australia], December 19: In a remarkable display of skill, England's fast bowler Jofra Archer became the first player from England in three decades to achieve both a five-wicket haul and a half-century in a Test match held in Australia. This milestone occurred during the crucial third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval on Friday.

Archer's outstanding performance included taking five wickets for 53 runs in the first innings, and he also contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 51 runs off 105 balls, featuring five boundaries and a six, showcasing his ability as a top-order batsman alongside captain Ben Stokes.

The last England player to accomplish this feat was Darren Gough, who achieved a five-wicket haul and a fifty in a Test match in Australia back in 1995 at Sydney. Gough's performance included figures of 6/49 and 1/72, earning him the 'Player of the Match' title.

Throughout the ongoing Ashes series, Archer has claimed eight wickets across three matches, averaging 29.25, and has contributed 99 runs in five innings, with his highest score being 51.

After England was dismissed for 286 runs in response to Australia's first innings total of 371, Australia ended the session at 17/1, with Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne both unbeaten.

On day three, England resumed at 213/8, with Stokes and Archer both at the crease. Stokes began the day with an elegant cover drive and eventually reached a commendable fifty off 159 balls, hitting four boundaries.

Following Stokes' milestone, both he and Archer adopted a more aggressive approach, with Archer demonstrating the determination often lacking from the top order.

With a single from Stokes, England crossed the 250-run mark in 77.2 overs. In the 82nd over, Stokes continued to impress, hitting two consecutive boundaries against Australian captain Pat Cummins, bringing their partnership to a century in 164 balls.

Archer's perseverance paid off as he reached his first Test fifty in 97 balls, including five fours and a six. The partnership concluded at 103 runs when Mitchell Starc bowled Stokes out for 83 runs off 198 balls, which included eight boundaries.

With England at 274 runs and nine wickets down, Archer and Josh Tongue continued for a while until Scott Boland dismissed Archer for 51 runs off 105 balls. England was all out for 286, trailing by 85 runs.

Boland and Cummins were the standout bowlers for Australia, each taking three wickets.

England's Brydon Carse provided an early breakthrough by dismissing Jake Weatherald for just one run, leaving Australia at 8/1 in 1.3 overs. Weatherald was given out lbw despite the ball pitching outside leg stump.

A boundary from Marnus Labuschagne pushed Australia's lead above 100 runs, as he and Head ensured no further wickets fell for England.

Earlier, England concluded day two at 213/8, thanks to a 45-run partnership between Stokes and Archer. Despite contributions from Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Jamie Smith, England struggled at 168/8 until Stokes and Archer initiated a recovery.

Australia won the toss and chose to bat first. After being reduced to 94/4 due to Archer's exceptional bowling, a 91-run partnership between Usman Khawaja and Alex Carey helped stabilize the innings. Carey eventually scored his first Ashes century, finishing with 106 runs off 143 balls.

Archer's bowling figures of 5/53 were impressive, while Brydon Carse and Tongue each took two wickets.

Brief Scores: Australia: 371 and 17/1 vs England: 286 (Ben Stokes 83, Jofra Archer 51, Scott Boland 3/45).