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In focus: How Jofra Archer fared on day three of Ashes second Test

In focus: How Jofra Archer fared on day three of Ashes second Test
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A look at the pace bowler's display on day three at Lord's.

Jofra Archer continued his promising Test debut for England on a rain-shortened third day against Australia at Lord's.

Here, PA assesses how he fared.

Wicket threat

England v Australia – Second Test – Day Three – 2019 Ashes Series – Lord's
Archer celebrates taking the wicket of Cameron Bancroft (PA)

After failing to notice an edge off David Warner's bat on day two, Archer registered his first Test scalp in his 11th over. His initial burst had strayed slightly too wide to cause consistent problems but when he did tighten up his line it paid off, jagging one back in to Cameron Bancroft and rapping him just under the thigh pad. Archer's appeal was good enough to persuade Aleem Dar but a tight DRS referral delayed the final verdict. Ball-tracking showed the bails being skimmed, but that was enough to get him off the mark.

Pace

England v Australia – Second Test – Day Three – 2019 Ashes Series – Lord's
Archer showed genuine pace (PA)

Archer's ability to generate serious heat is an open secret but he continues to deliver. His first ball to Steve Smith was the fastest of the day at 93.7mph and there was at least one more seriously rapid bouncer. The slowest ball he sent down was an outlier at a shade under 85mph, which still represents the top end of many seamers' arsenal.

Economy

England v Australia – Second Test – Day Two – 2019 Ashes Series – Lord's
Archer was hard to score runs off (PA)

Scoring has proved tricky off the Sussex quick, with just 18 runs from his 13 overs so far. Six of those have been maidens and he has already sent down 38 dot balls. He might ultimately reflect that he can risk a few more attacking shots by trying more aggressive lines but his readiness to keep batsmen quiet is a handy habit to have.

Opposition view

England v Australia – First Test – Day One – 2019 Ashes Series – Edgbaston
Former Australian captain Steve Waugh liked what he saw (PA)

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh assessed Archer's contribution over the first two days and liked what he saw. "He's very impressive. He's got a pretty unusual action but he's very relaxed but generates a lot of pace seemingly out of nowhere," he said. "He's a guy that will take a bit of getting used to for batsmen, because he's different and quick through the air. We certainly respect him."

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Jofra Archer celebrates taking a wicket at The Ashes on August 16, 2019
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