Could Jofra Archer Spark Something Special? Stokes Reflects on Thrilling 3rd Test Victory

London, July 14 (NationPress) Following an extraordinary 22-run victory over India in a gripping Test match held at Lord's, England's captain Ben Stokes expressed his belief that Jofra Archer would deliver a remarkable performance to secure the win for the home side.

On the fifth day of the third Test, Archer, returning to Test cricket, along with Stokes, led England to an astonishing victory by taking three wickets each, successfully bowling out a resilient India for 170, thus taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.

"One of the reasons I chose to play Archer today was that it marks six years since England's World Cup triumph at Lord's. Jofra was pivotal in that victory, and I had a strong feeling he would perform something extraordinary. He effectively turned the game around with his wickets," stated Stokes.

"I had a gut instinct that something significant was going to occur. At times, your instincts prove right. Having him back is fantastic. Every time his name is announced for bowling, the crowd erupts with excitement," he continued.

"When he gears up, starts sprinting in, and the pace increases, the atmosphere in the game shifts. His performance was incredible. I can only imagine how challenging the week was for him, but he secured some essential wickets for us. It’s wonderful to see him back," Stokes remarked during the post-match presentation.

Stokes earned the title of Player of the Match for his impressive bowling figures of 2-63 and 3-48, alongside contributions of 44 and 33 runs, including a match-defining run-out of Rishabh Pant. On the fifth day, after bowling an impressive 24 overs, he claimed the crucial wicket of KL Rahul as well as Jasprit Bumrah.

"I thought I had reached some dark places before, but today was different... If bowling to clinch a Test for your country doesn't excite you, I don't know what will. With so much at stake... I was drained yesterday, but the match was pivotal, and nothing was stopping me from bowling. (Shoaib) Bashir, it felt destined for me to take that final wicket, an absolute warrior," he expressed.

"Being an all-rounder allows me multiple chances to impact the game. If one aspect doesn’t succeed, there’s always another opportunity, and that’s how I approach it. I wish I could score more runs, but when I’m in my whites on the field, my focus shifts to bowling. There’s no time for concern," he added.

On his run-out of Pant, Stokes said, "I was in the midst of my spell, feeling pumped. It was a critical position at extra cover, and I noticed Rishabh hesitate in my peripheral vision. There's nothing quite like the feeling when you release the ball and know it’s going to hit the stumps."

With the next Test set to commence in Manchester on July 23, Stokes concluded by stating he looks forward to some much-needed rest. "It was always going to be a fierce contest between two strong teams. We faced each other head-on again. I won’t lie - I’m eager to relax for four days and then gear up for Manchester,"