The hosts relished their time at the crease after being invited to bat first on a flat wicket at Lord’s. England was propelled by Ben Duckett’s impressive 63, which set a solid foundation. While Phil Salt and Will Jacks couldn’t make significant contributions, Harry Brook’s explosive 87 off 58 balls bolstered the middle order. England ultimately finished their innings at 312/5, thanks to Liam Livingstone’s exhilarating late surge of 62 off just 27 deliveries. In reply, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh established a promising opening partnership of 68 runs. However, following the dismissals of Head and Steve Smith, it was Jofra Archer who struck with a brilliant delivery that dismissed Marsh.
On the second ball of the 12th over, Archer unleashed a full-length delivery angling into the off stump. The expertly executed outswinger worked its magic as it pitched perfectly. Marsh, attempting to play the ball down the wrong line, was caught off guard as it nipped away, narrowly evading his outside edge and clipping the top of the off stump. Stunned by the turn of events, Marsh watched in disbelief as the packed crowd at Lord’s erupted in celebration, marking Archer’s first wicket at the iconic venue since 2019.
An absolute jaffa from Jofra 🔥
Jofra Archer gets rid of Captain Marsh with a special one, claiming his first wicket at Lord’s since 2019!#ENGvAUSonFanCode pic.twitter.com/m1AkoQZs3m— FanCode (@FanCode) September 27, 2024
