Stokes lauds Archer as gut feeling delivers dividends

England Test captain Ben Stokes said a look back to his side's 2019 Cricket World Cup success was the catalyst for throwing Jofra Archer the ball to turn the tide in England's vital victory over India on Monday at Lord's.

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Playing in his first Test since 2021, Archer showed no signs of the numerous injuries that have hampered him, claiming combined match figures of 5/105 through a mix of hostility, intimidation and tactical nous.

And it seemed fitting for the 30-year-old to deliver again, six years to the day from his Super Over heroics in England's 2019 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Final victory over New Zealand.

After being belted down the ground by an advancing Rishabh Pant, an attempt to set the tone of the day in the visitors' favour, Archer hit back by beating the wicket-keeper/batter's defences for just nine.

He then followed up with a sharp return catch to dismiss Washington Sundar (0), a player with a penchant for fourth innings heroics, to curtail the India heist.

In the press conference after victory, Stokes said he had a feeling Archer would be the man to make the difference early, an ICC report said.