Ashes 2019 | Jofra Archer's debut has shaken things up in the series, says Joe Root
According to England captain Joe Root, debutant Jofra Archer has changed the dynamic of team's attack and has put a lot of pressure on Australia since the visitors were only able to secure a challenging and tense draw. The Barbados quick was instrumental in England having the edge in the game.
After Sunday's draw at Lord's, Australia have still maintained a 1-0 lead and will now march toward the Headingley Test, the third match of this series, which starts on Thursday. However, by all probabilities, their leading batsman Steve Smith will be away since he showed delayed concussion symptoms on the final day at Lord's.
In such a situation, Australia were provided by a substitute in the form of Marnus Labuschagne, Test cricket’s first concussion substitute, whose 100-ball 59 helped Australia end the close-fought match in a draw. But the most significant character of the entire show was Jofra Archer, the man who changed the course of the game for England.
“He’s come in and made a massive impact. He’s added a different dynamic to our bowling group and given Australia something different to think about," the England skipper said about Archer, who secured match figures of 5 for 91 from 44 overs.
“It’s pleasing to see someone come in on Test debut, shake up things and live up to the hype – even some of the hype he put on himself. It makes for a very interesting last three games.
“He makes things happen with such a unique action and natural pace, which is always in the game on any surface. That with the skill of the others, makes for a tasty combo.”
“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,” Root concluded.
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