Jofra Archer made a spectacular return to Test cricket, marking his comeback with a dream delivery that dismissed India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal early in the innings. Bowling at an impressive pace of around 145 kmph, Archer delivered a sharp up-seam ball that pitched on a good length and shaped in slightly around the off stump.
Jaiswal, expecting the ball to move further in, played from the back foot and attempted to work it towards the leg side, but was deceived as the ball held its line.
Caught off guard, Jaiswal ended up getting a leading edge that flew straight to second slip, where Harry Brook made no mistake. It was a clean dismissal and a fitting way for Archer to announce his return in the longest format of the game.
The moment brought visible joy and energy to the English side, with players rushing in to congratulate the pacer.Among the celebrations, one gesture stood out — a heartfelt hug from young spinner Shoaib Bashir.
The embrace captured the emotional weight of the moment, recognizing Archer’s struggle with injuries and the perseverance it took to return to red-ball cricket. The dressing room’s happiness was evident in their expressions and body language.
This early breakthrough set the tone for England’s bowling effort, with Archer’s aggression and rhythm putting immediate pressure on the Indian top order. It wasn’t just about the wicket — it was about the manner in which it came, showcasing Archer’s class, control, and pace that had been sorely missed in recent Test encounters.
Edged… And carried!
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 11, 2025
JOFRA IS BACK! 🌪️ pic.twitter.com/xr0hgYtP72
For Archer, this wicket wasn’t just a statistic; it was symbolic — a personal milestone on the road to recovery and redemption. With his body language showing confidence and his rhythm looking smooth, England will hope this is just the beginning of a successful new chapter in Archer’s red-ball journey.