Watch: Jofra Archer hits 90mph to take first wicket on England comeback

Watch: Jofra Archer marked his first professional game in over a year with an exceptional spell, regularly topping 90mph to take two wickets.

Subscribe to the Wisden Cricket YouTube channel for post-match analysis, player interviews, and much more.

After Jos Buttler’s 84 had propelled England to 183-7, all eyes turned to what Archer would produce with the ball. The speedster has struggled significantly with injury since his breakout year in 2019, with persistent elbow and back stress injuries keeping him off the park. This marked his first home game for England since September 2020.

While Archer gave fans something to cheer with the bat, hitting a big six in his last-over cameo, they were made to wait to watch him with the ball, Buttler springing a surprise by handing the new ball to Moeen Ali. When Archer was introduced, there were some signs of rust, Fakhar Zaman hitting his first over for 15 runs.

From the first ball of his second over, things changed. Archer hit 90 mph as he enticed Azam Khan to hit to cover, and regularly reached that mark thereafter. He conceded just 13 runs off his remaining three overs, taking the further wicket of Imad Wasim.

England triumphed by 23 runs, Reece Topley chipping in with three wickets, Moeen taking two, and Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone and Adil Rashid taking one each.

The series continues on Tuesday, May 28 at Cardiff, England leading 1-0 with two to play. Both teams are building towards the T20 World Cup. England are looking to defend their crown, while Pakistan, having been beaten semi-finalists and finalists in 2021 and 2022 respectively, are looking for a first title since 2009.