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 significant accomplishment took place during the crucial third Ashes Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval on Friday.

Archer's first innings performance included a five-wicket haul, with impressive 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 achieve such a feat was Darren Gough, who did so in 1995 at Sydney, where he also scored 51 runs and earned 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 top score of 51.

Stokes and Archer Propel England's Comeback

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

Starting day three at 213/8, England's captain Ben Stokes (45*) and Archer (30*) remained unbeaten. Stokes initiated the day with a stunning cover drive and eventually reached a commendable fifty off 159 balls, hitting four boundaries. After reaching his milestone, both he and Archer adopted a more aggressive approach against Nathan Lyon, with Archer displaying the resilience often lacking from the top order.

With a single from Stokes, England crossed the 250-run mark in 77.2 overs. Stokes continued to impress, hitting 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, including five fours and a six. The partnership concluded at 103 runs when Mitchell Starc bowled Stokes for 83 runs off 198 balls. England was then nine wickets down at 274 runs.

With the lead reduced to under 100, Archer and Josh Tongue continued until Scott Boland dismissed Archer for 51 runs off 105 balls. England was all out for 286, trailing by 85 runs, with Boland and Cummins each taking three wickets.

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.

Marnus Labuschagne's boundary helped Australia extend their lead beyond 100 runs, as he 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), Joe Root (19), Harry Brook (45), and Jamie Smith (23), they struggled to capitalize on their starts, leaving England at a precarious 168/8 before Stokes and Archer's rescue effort.

Australia, having won the toss, opted to bat first. After a shaky start at 94/4, a 91-run partnership between Usman Khawaja (82) and Alex Carey (106) helped stabilize their innings. Starc also contributed with 54 runs, leading Australia to a total of 371 runs. Archer's exceptional bowling performance (5/53) was complemented by Brydon Carse and Tongue, who each took two wickets.

Brief Scores

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