England’s premier fast bowler, Jofra Archer, lit up Day 5 of the third Test at Lord’s with a sensational caught-and-bowled dismissal that could go down as one of the finest of the year. As India’s batting lineup began to crumble under relentless pressure, Archer delivered a moment of individual brilliance that further tilted the momentum in England’s favor.
It all unfolded in the 25th over, with Archer steaming in and delivering a quick, full delivery at 140kph, angled in towards Washington Sundar. The Indian all-rounder tried to close the bat face too early, misjudging the slight change in pace. The ball struck the toe of the bat and popped into the air, just to the right of Archer — and then came the magic.
With incredible reflexes, Archer launched himself across and stuck out his right hand, grabbing the ball inches from the turf. The athleticism, timing, and presence of mind made the catch a breathtaking spectacle. It appeared effortless, but it was a top-tier reflex effort that stunned the players on the field. Sundar walked back for a duck, and India found themselves deep in trouble.
Interestingly, just before Sundar’s dismissal, England head coach Brendon McCullum was seen signaling to his players, encouraging them to apply verbal pressure on the batter. The hosts amped up their sledging, and the tactic paid off almost immediately. Sundar couldn’t handle the heat and fell to Archer in the very next over.
Only minutes earlier, Ben Stokes had dealt a crucial blow by trapping KL Rahul LBW with a brilliant delivery that jagged back sharply off the surface. Rahul, who had played a gritty knock of 39, felt the ball had brushed his bat. But replays showed it had struck the pad of his front leg in line with the middle stump, and the decision went England’s way after a successful review.
Sundar came in next but barely had time to settle before he was undone by Archer’s brilliance. The twin blows of Rahul and Sundar saw India collapse further to 81/6, with England tightening their grip on what had been a see-sawing contest until then. The hosts, buoyed by momentum and crowd energy, sensed victory.
You cannot do that Jofra Archer!
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 14, 2025
Out of this world 😱 pic.twitter.com/mGNpgKPphl
Jofra Archer’s pace, control, and sharp reflexes have been instrumental in this innings. His one-handed screamer was more than just a dismissal — it was a statement. With three wickets to his name already in this innings, Archer looks poised to make an unforgettable comeback to Test cricket and could well finish with a five-wicket haul if his form continues.