Ben Stokes reveals why he backed Jofra Archer in opening hour of final day at Lord’s

England captain Ben Stokes revealed he went with his gut feeling to give the ball to Jofra Archer in the opening hour of the final day at Lord’s against India after they registered a thrilling 22-run win on Monday. With India needing 135 runs to win with six wickets in hand, it was imperative for the home team to strike early.

Stokes opened the day’s bowling with himself and Archer and both of them were right on the money. The England captain admitted there was a temptation to open with Brydon Carse, who had got two crucial wickets of Karun Nair and Shubman Gill, late on day four.

Archer was able to strike early as he sent dangerous Rishabh Pant’s off-stump cartwheeling. The gun fast bowler also dismissed Washington Sundar for a duck as he took a brilliant caught and bowled.

Ben Stokes, who was also awarded Player of the Match, said in the post-match presentation, “It was actually part of the reason I went with Jof and myself this morning, one of those feelings, what is it 6 years now to the day (2019 WC win).. Jof played a major role in that, just had one of those feelings he would do something special and he cracked the game open with 2 wickets.”

Reflecting further on his decision to back Archer, Stokes said, “It wasn’t an easy call, there was a bit of discussion in the dressing room. Brydon (Carse) had an amazing spell last night, he was charging in and had great rhythm but it was a gut feeling, Jof’s first match back in the Test team and sometimes your gut works. It is awesome to have him back. When he turns it on and the speeds come up on the screen, the feeling in the game changes. What an amazing job to get through the overs, first time out, tough week but he got some crucial wickets.”

The fourth Test match between England and India will be played at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, from July 23 onwards.