Jofra Archer Achieves Historic Milestone in Ashes Test

Archer Mirrors Gough's Historic Achievement

In a remarkable display, England's fast bowler Jofra Archer became the first English cricketer in three decades to secure a five-wicket haul and score a half-century in a Test match held in Australia. This achievement took place during the crucial third Ashes Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval.

Archer's impressive performance included a five-wicket haul in the first innings, where he recorded figures of 5/53. He also contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 51 runs off 105 balls, featuring five fours and a six, showcasing skills typically seen in top-order batsmen. The last English player to accomplish this feat was Darren Gough in 1995 at Sydney, where he also scored 51 runs and took six wickets, earning 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 a highest score of 51.

Stokes and Archer Propel England's Comeback

Following England's dismissal for 286 runs in response to Australia's first innings total of 371, Australia concluded the session at 17/1, with Travis Head (5*) and Marnus Labuschagne (4*) at the crease.

Starting day three at 213/8, England's captain Stokes (45*) and Archer (30*) remained unbeaten. Stokes began the day with an exquisite cover drive and eventually reached a commendable fifty off 159 balls, hitting four boundaries. After Stokes reached his milestone, he and Archer adopted a more aggressive approach, with Archer displaying 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 showcased his prowess with two consecutive boundaries against Australian captain Pat Cummins, leading to a century partnership in 164 balls.

Archer's persistence paid off as he achieved his first Test fifty in 97 balls, hitting five fours and a six. The partnership concluded at 103 runs when Mitchell Starc bowled Stokes for 83 runs off 198 balls, including eight fours. England found themselves at nine wickets down for 274 runs in 84.1 overs.

With the lead reduced to under 100, Archer and Josh Tongue continued until Scott Boland dismissed Archer for a well-fought 51 off 105 balls. England was all out for 286, trailing by 85 runs, with Boland (3/45) and Cummins (3/69) leading the Australian bowling attack.

Australia's Second Innings

In the second innings, Brydon Carse provided England with 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, while Labuschagne and Head ensured that England could not claim another wicket.

Match Summary

At the end of day two, England stood at 213/8, thanks to a 45-run partnership between Stokes and Archer. Despite contributions from Ben Duckett (29 runs), Joe Root (19 runs), Harry Brook (45 runs), and Jamie Smith (23 runs), they could not capitalize on their starts, leaving England at 168/8 before Stokes and Archer initiated a recovery.

Australia won the toss and opted to bat first. After being reduced to 94/4 due to Archer's exceptional bowling, a 91-run partnership between Usman Khawaja (82 runs) and Alex Carey (106 runs) helped Australia recover. Starc also contributed with 54 runs, leading Australia to a total of 371 runs. Archer's bowling figures of 5/53 were outstanding, 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).