Jofra Archer has proven he is anything but a weak man ...Middle East

Day 1: Australia 326-8 (Carey 106, Khawaja 82; Archer 3-29)

ADELAIDE OVAL — Of all the unwarranted attacks Jofra Archer faced in the aftermath of the second Test in Brisbane, perhaps the worst came from Ryan Harris.

The former Australia fast bowler, plainly unaware of the cultural significance of gold chains to Afro-Caribbean people, said: “If he takes it off, he might be able to bowl quicker. We all know you’ve got a bit of money, mate – take it off, will ya?”

As popularised by rap artists, especially in the USA, gold chains represent prosperity and triumph over adversity, with the reclaiming of the chain – a symbol of slavery – particularly significant.

Harris’ ignorance is no excuse and while the hounding of Archer in Australia throughout this series might be for reasons other than the colour of his skin, those words were particularly insensitive.

In spite of it all, Archer bowled beautifully on the opening day of this third Ashes Test – a must-win match for England given they are 2-0 down in the series.

He also did it mostly without his chain. Not because he thought Harris had a point, but because of the heat in Adelaide, with England’s players subjected to six-and-a-half hours in the field in temperatures hitting 36 degrees Celsius.

Jake Weatherald falls for 18 as Jofra Archer takes the opening wicket of the third Test! pic.twitter.com/Ghp3jHeuLC

After a chain-less first two sessions, it was back in its rightful place around his neck again after tea, when the temperature had cooled.

England did well, too, restricting Australia to 326 for eight on a flat Adelaide pitch where 550 looks a par score.

If the batters can do their jobs properly on the second day here, Archer should actually be able to get some use out of the pillow he was mocked for carrying into the ground on day three in Brisbane.

Also castigated for bowling with express pace when Australia were chasing just 65 to win on the final day of that match, the 30-year-old bowled with fire again here – hitting 93 miles per hour in his second over and averaging 88mph across the day.

Just as crucial though was the control he offered. This isn’t really meant to be his role: Archer is the shock bowler captain Ben Stokes can call on when he needs some magic.

Yet he’s covering all bases here, mainly because England’s other bowlers – bar Stokes – are offering close to zero control.

Archer’s figures of three for 29 from 16 overs were outstanding. Yet it says much that he actually bowled better than that. It’s almost like he was playing a different match from his team-mates, with his economy rate of 1.81 highlighted in technicolour on a scorecard where other than Stokes, every other England bowler went at more than four an over.

This was because Archer was relentless and accurate. It’s really simple but his ability to pile the pressure on Australia’s batters is the only reason why England are still in this match.

Archer’s second spell of two for 12 in four overs straight after lunch included the blockbuster passage of play that saw him dismiss Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green inside the first three balls of the session.

squareCRICKET

Ashes Q&A: Our cricket expert answers your questions ahead of the third Test

His first six-over spell in the morning, brought the wicket of Jake Weatherald with a 91mph bouncer the opener could only fend behind. He would have had another in the final session, too, had Brydon Carse held on to a difficult chance at short cover to dismiss Alex Carey on 52. The Australia wicketkeeper went on to score his third Test century. It’s worth noting Archer had two catches dropped in Brisbane, too.

It said everything about Archer’s performance that right at the end of a taxing day in the field, he was the bowler Stokes called on for one more wicket.

It didn’t come but after coming into this third Test with three wickets in the series at an average of 57, this was the day when England’s fastest bowler really put his stamp on this Ashes winter.

It bodes well for the coming days and weeks, especially if England keep this series alive with a win here.

Green falls for a duck as Jofra Archer claims his second wicket in the opening over after lunch! pic.twitter.com/HwlJNu224L

If that were to transpire, Archer would almost certainly be picked for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne – making it four in a row for this series.

For a bowler whose injury history had restricted him to just two Tests in five years before this winter, that would actually be the most impressive thing he could do on this trip.

Stokes said after Brisbane that the England dressing room was no place for “weak men”. Archer has shown beyond all doubt he is anything but, no matter what his detractors say.

Your next read

Is McCullum toast? Will Stokes quit? Is Bazball dead? 11 Ashes questions answered

The rebirth of Cardiff City – the great hope of Welsh football

Inside the chaos at Leicester City

‘It sums up our club’: The convicted sex offender turfed out of Bury in two days

Hence then, the article about jofra archer has proven he is anything but a weak man was published today ( Wednesday 17/12/2025 - 11:28 AM ) and is available on inews ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.

Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Jofra Archer has proven he is anything but a weak man )

Also on site :

• Nokia Strengthens Edge AI Capabilities Through Strategic Collaboration with Blaize on Hybrid Inference Solutions Across Asia Pacific Regions
• 7 ‘Old-School’ Parenting Phrases Boomers Still Use That Can Come Across as Dismissive
• This New Alaska Cruise Excursion Lets You Get Surprisingly Close to Moose