England speedster Jofra Archer is back in action, igniting talk of a renewed rivalry with Australian batting maestro Steve Smith ahead of the upcoming Ashes series.
Archer’s High-Octane Comeback
Jofra Archer recently made a successful return to Test cricket after a long injury layoff. He impressed at Lord’s against India, consistently bowling in the high 140s and 150s kph.
The pace ace was crucial in breaking India’s middle order on the final day, helping England secure a 22-run victory. Archer is keen to play more Test cricket, especially with the Ashes on the horizon.
“I can play the other two [against India] if they let me,” Archer told Sky Sports. “I don’t want to lose this series. I told Keysey [England men’s managing director, Rob Key] I wanted to play the Test summer and I wanted to play the Ashes. I think one tick is already there and I will do everything possible in my power to be on the plane in November.”
The Iconic 2019 Ashes Duel
The potential return of Archer to Australia sets the stage for a thrilling reunion with Steve Smith. Their rivalry became legendary during the 2019 Ashes, particularly at Lord’s, which marked Archer’s Test debut.
In a memorable spell, Archer delivered a barrage of short balls, one of which menacingly struck Smith on the neck. Smith retired hurt on 80, later returning to score 92 before being dismissed.
The Australian No. 4 was subsequently ruled out due to concussion, leading to Marnus Labuschagne becoming the first-ever concussion substitute in international cricket. Smith also missed the following Test at Headingley.
Smith’s Defiant Stance
Despite the frightening incident, Steve Smith remained unfazed by Archer’s challenge. Upon his return from concussion in the fourth Test in Manchester, Smith downplayed Archer’s impact.
“There’s been a bit of talk that he’s got the wood over me, but he hasn’t actually got me out,” Smith stated, highlighting that other bowlers had managed to dismiss him more frequently.
“He hit me on the head on a wicket that was a bit up and down at Lord’s. All the other bowlers have had more success against me, I daresay. I’ve faced them a bit more, but they’ve all got me out a lot more. I’m pretty comfortable with that.”
A Masterclass in Manchester
Smith’s words were backed by his performance in the Manchester Test. He unleashed his highest Test score in England, batting for 319 balls to reach a magnificent 211 in the first innings.
Archer, despite his pace, went wicket-less against Smith in that match. Smith followed up his double century with a brilliant 82 in the second innings, leading Australia to a commanding 185-run victory.
The Undismissed Record
Smith’s claim that Archer had “never got him out” holds true. Even in 2023, Smith famously challenged a social media post suggesting Archer had “terrorised” Australian batters.
Remarkably, in five Test innings, Jofra Archer has conceded 94 runs to Steve Smith without ever dismissing him, with 60 of those runs coming from boundaries.
- Jofra Archer recently returned to Test cricket after a long injury layoff.
- Archer and Steve Smith had a memorable duel in the 2019 Ashes, where Archer’s bouncer concussed Smith.
- Despite the bouncer, Steve Smith has never been dismissed by Jofra Archer in Test cricket.
- Smith scored a double century and an 82 against Archer in the 2019 Manchester Test.
As Archer looks to cement his place for the upcoming Ashes, the cricketing world eagerly anticipates a high-octane sequel to this fascinating rivalry.
