Ben Stokes humorously reveals Jofra Archer’s – watching Sourav Ganguly’s iconic jersey-waving moment – which fueled his match

Archer’s Inspiration: A Humorous Revelation

In a truly delightful and unexpected twist to the post-match discussions, England Test captain Ben Stokes light-heartedly disclosed the peculiar source of inspiration behind pace sensation Jofra Archer’s devastating spell in the recent enthralling Third Test against India at Lord’s. The revelation left reporters in splits and added a charming layer to an already gripping encounter. According to Stokes, a segment of highlights featuring former India captain Sourav Ganguly’s iconic jersey-waving celebration from the 2002 NatWest Series final played a surprisingly pivotal role in firing up Archer for his match-winning performance.

The Genesis of Archer’s Inspiration

• A Return to the Grand Stage: Jofra Archer made his much-anticipated return to Test cricket, his first appearance since February 2021, marking a significant moment for England. His performance was crucial, blowing away India’s hopes of victory with remarkable speed and precision.
• Stokes’ Humorous Anecdote: During the post-match press conference, Stokes was directly questioned about Archer’s blistering form. His reply was laced with characteristic humour, revealing the unique preparation that contributed to Archer’s success.
• The Ganguly Connection: Stokes stated that Archer had apparently been watching highlights of Sourav Ganguly’s famous moment from 23 years ago, where ‘Dada’ triumphantly waved his shirt on the Lord’s balcony after India’s historic NatWest final win over England in 2002.
• A Case of Mistaken Identity: In a particularly amusing detail, Stokes recounted Archer’s genuine belief that the highlights package he watched was of a World Cup final, and that the iconic moment had occurred precisely six years ago to the day. Stokes had to correct him, clarifying that England had won that particular World Cup. “Gosh, he’s an absolute beauty, that boy,” Stokes affectionately remarked, highlighting Archer’s endearing nature.

Archer’s Inspiration Translated into a Sizzling Spell

• Setting the Tone: Archer’s spell on the final day was nothing short of extraordinary. He set the tone early by rattling Rishabh Pant’s off-stump with a searing delivery, an unplayable rocket that instantly shifted the momentum of the game.
• Continued Dominance: He continued his rampage, dismissing Washington Sundar with a well-taken caught-and-bowled effort, sending him back to the pavilion for a duck.
• Crucial Figures: Archer concluded the second innings with impressive figures of 3/55, dismantling India’s middle order and breaking their resistance. His crucial wickets helped England overcome the hard-fought stand from Ravindra Jadeja and India’s tail-enders.
• The Lord’s Victory: England ultimately clinched a hard-fought 22-run victory at the “Home of Cricket,” a testament to their grit and resilience over five intense days.

The Thrilling Conclusion at Lord’s

• A Decisive Day: The final day began with a straightforward equation: England needed six wickets, while India required 135 runs to chase down the 193-run target and take control of the series.
• Archer and Stokes’ Partnership: Archer, bowling in tandem with Ben Stokes, significantly reduced a beleaguered Indian side from 58/4 to a precarious 82/7, effectively putting England in command.
• Jadeja’s Valiant Fight: Despite the overwhelming odds, Ravindra Jadeja (61*), displayed immense class and determination, battling valiantly and keeping India’s hopes alive by forging a valuable partnership with Jasprit Bumrah.
• Breaking the Resistance: The duo stood firm for 22 overs before Bumrah finally holed out to Sam Cook. Mohammed Siraj then fought with all his might before enduring heartbreak, bowled by Bashir, sealing India’s fate.

The Significance of July 14

Adding another layer of serendipity to the victory, the date July 14 holds a special significance for English cricket and its fans. It was on this very day in 2019 that England lifted their maiden ODI World Cup title at the ‘Home of Cricket,’ making the recent triumph against India on the same date even more memorable for the team and its supporters. The euphoria felt by England after five days of relentless hard work, grit, and resilience was palpable, echoing the celebrations of six years prior. This historical connection subtly underscores the extraordinary nature of Archer’s inspiration and subsequent performance.

Conclusion: A Memorable Victory Fueled by Quirky Archer’s Inspiration

The unexpected revelation about Sourav Ganguly’s celebratory highlights serving as Jofra Archer’s pre-spell motivation adds a unique and memorable anecdote to this gripping Test match. It underscores the quirky and often unpredictable nature of sporting inspiration. Archer’s match-winning performance, fueled by this surprising Archer's Inspiration, will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal factor in England’s hard-earned victory at Lord’s, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable force in international cricket. This unique tale highlights not only his skill but also the captivating personality within the English dressing room.