Jofra Archer has ‘shaken up’ The Ashes, says England batsman Root
JOE ROOT believes speed merchant Jofra Archer has “shaken up” The Ashes.
Aussie run king Steve Smith is a major doubt for Thursday’s Third Test after being hit and left concussed by England’s new star.
And captain Root said: “Jofra has come in and made a massive impact, and given Australia something different to think about.”
England came within four wickets of an unlikely win at a rain-hit Lord’s, with the tourists having to hang on for a draw.
MOMENTUM SHIFT
Root thinks Archer has shifted the momentum of the series even though his side remain 1-0 down with three Tests to go.
Smith faces a race against time to recover for Headingley having been withdrawn with concussion after he was hit in the neck by England’s debutant on Saturday.
Asked if Archer, who also smashed Smith’s sub Marnus Labuschagne in the grille, changed the dynamic, Root replied: “It seems so.
“It is really pleasing to see someone come in on Test debut and really shake up things and live up to the hype — even some of the hype that he put on himself.
“He makes things happen, when not many others in world cricket can. It is an exciting prospect going into the rest of the series. It makes for a very interesting last three games.”
England gave themselves the chance to win when Ben Stokes scored an unbeaten 115 and they declared on 258-5, setting Australia 267 to win off 48 overs.
FLOORED
Archer took the wickets of David Warner and Usman Khawaja then floored Smith’s sub Labuschagne with the second ball he faced.
But the No 4 got up and battled to a match-saving 59 as Australia finished on 154-6.
On Archer, Stokes said: “I am not sure there will be a better debut.
“He bowled a nine over spell at 90mph-plus. It was frightening.
“He has announced himself on the world stage in a different form and the sky is the limit for him.”
Cricket Australia said in a statement that Smith’s availability “will be considered over the coming days but the short turnaround to the next Test is not in his favour.”
Smith, 30, said: “I am hopeful that I will be available for that Test match but it is up to the medical staff.”
Archer earlier admitted flooring Smith brought back memories of when Australian batsman Phil Hughes was killed by a bouncer in 2014.
He said: “Everyone stopped and everyone’s heart skipped a beat.
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“Especially with what happened a few years ago as well, it’s never nice.
“After he got up and was moving around, you breathe a sigh of relief.
“I just tried to get him rattled. No one wants to see anyone getting carried off on a stretcher.”
