Jofra Archer produced his fastest Test bowling spell on record, registering an average speed of 90.7 mph during England’s commanding performance against Pakistan in the second Test at Multan. The Sussex quick claimed three wickets for 26 runs as England’s pace attack demolished Pakistan’s second innings, dismissing the home side for just 110 runs and establishing a commanding 180-run first-innings lead.
The spell marked a significant milestone for Archer, who has struggled with injuries throughout his Test career since making his debut. His performance, combined with stifling support from fellow pacemen Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue, leaves England in a dominant position heading into their second innings.
Robinson led the attack with exceptional figures of four for 11 from 8.3 overs, exploiting conditions that troubled Pakistan’s batsmen throughout the morning session. Tongue contributed two for 27, completing the collapse that saw Pakistan lose their final six wickets for a handful of runs after resuming with hopes of building a competitive total.
The wickets began falling in quick succession as England extracted sharp bounce and movement from a pitch that offered increasing assistance to the fast bowlers. Archer’s ability to maintain 90.7 mph on average throughout his spell underlined the physical progress he has made in his recovery, though the Barbados-born bowler remained characteristically unimpressed with the official speed measurements.
“Speed guns are dodgy,” Archer told reporters after the day’s play. The comment echoes longstanding skepticism among fast bowlers worldwide regarding the accuracy of Hawk-Eye and similar technologies used to measure delivery speeds, though such remarks rarely generate significant controversy in cricket circles.
England’s bowlers made full use of overcast conditions and a pitch showing increasing wear as they tore through Pakistan’s batting lineup. The dismissal of Pakistan for 110 leaves the tourists requiring just 70 more runs to establish an unassailable position, with their bowlers having demonstrated they can exploit whatever assistance the surface offers on the fourth and fifth days.
The performance represents a welcome return to peak form for Archer, whose Test career has been interrupted repeatedly by elbow and back injuries since his 2019 debut. During England’s successful 2019 Ashes campaign, Archer regularly touched speeds exceeding 95 mph, making him one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket and providing England with a different dimension to their attack. The 90.7 mph average recorded during Tuesday’s spell suggests the 29-year-old is approaching that level of express pace once again.
Speaking after his spell, Archer appeared more focused on team success than personal milestones. “We just needed to wrap up the innings quickly and get that lead,” he said. “The speed is irrelevant if we don’t win the match.”
Pakistan’s batting collapse proved disappointing for the home side, who had begun their second innings with cautious optimism after the first day was washed out entirely. Skipper Shan Masood and opening partner Abdullah Shafique had negotiated the opening overs without excessive difficulty, but the introduction of Archer changed the match’s complexion dramatically.
The England quick removed Shafique with a delivery that jagged back off the pitch, trapping the opener lbw for 18. From that point, Pakistan’s resistance crumbled rapidly as Robinson extracted sharp bounce from his own end, accounting for the middle order with a combination of hostile short-pitched bowling and well-directed yorkers.
Tongue, earning only his third Test cap, justified the selectors’ faith with a disciplined spell that complemented the more experienced Archer and Robinson effectively. His dismissal of Saud Shakeel, a fluent 31, ended a 47-run partnership that had threatened to stabilize the innings.
The 180-run lead England carries into their second innings provides substantial cushion against any Pakistani fightback. England’s batting lineup, led by captain Ben Stokes, will look to build quickly upon that advantage, potentially setting Pakistan an improbable target in excess of 250 runs on a deteriorating pitch.
Analysis:
Archer’s return to express pace carries significant implications for England’s long-term Test ambitions. With the 2025-26 away Ashes tour on the horizon, maintaining a fully-fit Archer alongside Robinson gives England one of the most formidable pace attacks in world cricket. The pair’s ability to generate bounce and movement at genuine speed complicates batting for any opposition, particularly on surfaces offering lateral movement.
Pakistan’s batting display raises questions about their preparation and mental approach to the contest. Having arrived in Multan fresh from a comprehensive defeat in the first Test at Rawalpindi, the home side needed a strong response. Instead, they produced a capitulation that leaves them facing a potential innings defeat with little hope of salvaging pride from the series.
The speed gun controversy, while generating headlines, appears unlikely to develop into a significant talking point. Cricket’s governing bodies have invested substantially in Hawk-Eye technology, and while bowlers occasionally question its accuracy, the measurements remain standard across international cricket. Archer’s comments may reflect more about his desire to downplay individual achievements than genuine technical skepticism.
England’s fielding and catching throughout the innings demonstrated the intensity of preparation that Stokes demands from his side. Several chances were taken cleanly at slip, reflecting the kind of professionalism that characterized England’s best performances during their 2022-23 tour of Pakistan.
Several factors bear watching as the match progresses into its final stages. England’s declaration strategy will depend significantly on how quickly they accumulate runs in their second innings and how much they believe the pitch will deteriorate. A target of 250 or more would test Pakistan’s batting resolve on a surface offering increasing turn and bounce.
Stokes’ own form with the bat remains a subplot worth monitoring. The captain has struggled for runs since returning from hamstring surgery, and his 14 in England’s first innings extended a lean patch that dates back several months. A substantial contribution from Stokes in the second innings would provide significant psychological boost ahead of the remaining Test matches.
Pakistan’s response to adversity will reveal much about the character of Masood’s leadership. The captain has spoken publicly about building a team capable of competing away from home conditions, but Tuesday’s display suggested significant work remains before Pakistan can challenge the better bowling attacks consistently.
The pitch at Multan’s newly-laid outfield presented unusual characteristics throughout the match, with variable bounce troubling batsmen from both sides. How the surface behaves during Pakistan’s second innings could determine whether this match produces a result or ends in a draw that would leave the three-match series evenly poised.
England’s bowlers will enter the final stages with genuine confidence, having demonstrated they can exploit any assistance the pitch offers. Robinson’s economical spell of four for 11 ranks among the best by an England paceman in Asian conditions, a venue where seamers typically struggle to extract the same movement available at home.
The match situation leaves Pakistan requiring a minor miracle to avoid defeat. With their bowlers also having struggled in the first innings, offering England no real respite, the tourists appear set to take an unassailable lead in the series after their unexpected victory in the opening Test.
For Archer personally, the spell represents vindication of the intensive rehabilitation program he has followed over the past 18 months. The speed readings may have satisfied those monitoring his progress, though the man himself appears most concerned with contributing to winning performances. “There is still work to be done,” he noted, “but the body feels good and the team is in a good position.”
England will resume their second innings on Wednesday morning, likely to push for a quick declaration that sets Pakistan a target beyond their reach. The match situation offers Stokes options, and his aggressive captaincy philosophy suggests England will seek to force a result rather than protect a safe position.
Pakistan must produce something special in their second innings to avoid a comprehensive defeat. The pitch shows no signs of flattening, and England’s bowlers have demonstrated willingness to bowl long spells of hostile pace. Whether Pakistan’s batsmen possess the resolve to extend this contest beyond its likely conclusion remains the central question as play resumes.
The series outcome may ultimately depend on which team handles pressure better in unfamiliar conditions. England arrived in Pakistan having won only one of their previous seven Tests in the country, yet their ability to adapt and exploit circumstances has distinguished this tour. If they complete victory in Multan, England will hold a commanding 2-0 lead with one match remaining, transforming expectations for a closely contested series.
—
Sources:
Times of India – Top Stories
Corrections
If you believe this article contains an error, contact Herald Express with the source URL and supporting evidence.
Story synopsis gathered from: Times of India – Top Stories — source
