The second Ashes Test may have ended in a draw, meaning Australia still lead 1-0, but Joe Root believes the fiery pace of Jofra Archer and England’s improved showing at Lord’s has shifted momentum the way of the home side.
Archer, replacing the injured Jimmy Anderson in the XI, took 2-59 and 3-32 in the Test, but more than the wickets, he stood out for his intensity. With pace and bounce, he ensured the batsmen were wary, if not terrified, of him, and one of his bouncers was so fierce, it forced Steve Smith out of the Test with concussion.
Root was thrilled for his latest recruit, and believes Archer’s “massive impact” has tilted the scales this series. “He’s come in and made a massive impact,” said Root. “He’s added a different dynamic to our bowling group and given Australia something different to think about.
England came within four wickets of victory on an enthralling final day, despite nearly five-and-a-half sessions being lost to rain, and Root said England had adequately responded to their loss in Edgbaston.
“Things can change very quickly in sport. At the start of the week we wanted a big response and we have definitely done that. It felt like we put them under huge pressure. It shows how much we’re in this series.”
The third Test at Headingley starts on Thursday, August 22.
