Cricketer-turned-expert Nasser Hussain stated that the ongoing five-match Test series between England vs India has slightly titled in favor of the latter after their crushing win in the second Test at Edgbaston. However, the former England captain believes that the return of Jofra Archer for the third Test in Lord's could massively boost the hosts.
The hosts were completely outplayed at Edgbaston, as their bowlers, led by Chris Woakes, came as a copper against a sublime-looking Shubman Gill's twin hundreds. The right-hand batter's first innings 269 gave India a huge score of 587 runs. In the second innings, the Indian skipper ensured he completely shut the door on England for a possible comeback. Overall, the hosts managed to take only 16 wickets.
"England were completely outbowled at Edgbaston," Hussain said. "The difference between the two sides, for me, was how well the two opening bowlers bowled for India It looked like they were bowling on a different surface."
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Jofra Archer could prove to be X-factor: Hussain
At the same Edgbaston Test, Indian pacers, particularly, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, took six fers in the first and second innings respectively. Both the bowlers got the ball to swing and seam in the first 20 overs. Prasidh Krishna also managed to bowl well in the second innings by hitting the hard lengths. England, who had Woakes, Josh Tongue, Braydon Carse, and Ben Stokes, failed to trouble the Indian batters.
One notable issue is the hosts missed the genuine pace of Archer, who can reverse the old ball at an intimidating pace. The pacer was also the difference during the 2019 Ashes series. He managed to clock speeds over 145 Kmph consistently and troubled Smith and Khawaja tremendously.
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"We only see Jofra bowling into a bit we don't see all of the rehab work that you have to do - it must be soul-destroying, all of the comebacks, the attempted comebacks, and the injuries.
"It's an absolute gamble," Hussain admitted. "He's been out for a long time. We've seen bowlers come back and cramp up by tea. But when Jofra was at his best, he was special England need something special."
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The third Test will be played on Thursday, July 10, at the Lord's Cricket Stadium. Jasprit Bumrah is likely to return.
