Jofra Archer's spell absolutely frightening: Ben Stokes

Jofra Archer set Lord's on fire with his scorching pace in the Ashes Test against Australia. Archer bowled 16 consecutive deliveries close to 94 miles per hour and one ball was 96.1 miles per hour, the fastest any England bowler had bowled for a long time. His one pacy bouncer hit Steve Smith on the side of the neck and he had to retire hurt. Although Smith resumed his innings, he was bowled for 92 but Archer had made a big statement of intent, taking five wickets in the match. 

Ben Stokes, who won the Man of the Match for his century in the second innings, hailed Archer's spell. "It is brilliant to have someone like that in the team. He bowled a nine over spell at 90mph-plus. It was frightening. I would much rather have him on our side," Stokes said. 

However, Archer may have tilted the balance of the Ashes with Smith in danger of missing the third Ashes Test in Leeds due to the blow suffered from the bouncer. Cricket Australia released a statement on Smith's injury which stated, "Steve Smith had a precautionary scan of his neck on Sunday which, as expected, cleared him of any structural damage. After the scan Steve returned to the team hotel to rest and he will continue to be reviewed on an ongoing basis." 

Australia captain Tim Paine did not express confidence that Smith would be fine for the third Test. "I'm not sure about Headingley. He (Smith) will need to improve, there's no doubt about that. Hopefully for our sake he does," Paine said. 

Archer had an impact in the second innings as he picked up David Warner and Usman Khawaja but he also hit Marnus Labuschagne on the helmet first ball. However, Labuschagne, who became the first concussion substitute in history, held his nerve to hit fifty and help Australia escape with a draw at Lord's. 

"Marnus played superbly. He got hit hard in the face second ball and I thought he showed great character, great skill and technique," Paine said. The third Ashes Test begins on August 22 in Leeds.

RELATED

HIGHLIGHTS

• Australia held on for a draw against England at Lord's.
• Jofra Archer bowled with pace and hostility.
• Steve Smith was dismissed for 92 but was withdrawn from the Lord's Test.