Jof the main man as Ben praises pace ace's impact in Test win

BEN Stokes paid tribute to Jofra Archer as the twin protagonists in England's 2019 World Cup final triumph starred again exactly six years on to seal a nail-biting win over India.

- PA STAFF REPORTER

Stokes and Archer were the central pillars in a nerve-racking super over success against New Zealand on July 14, 2019, at Lord's, where the pair shared six India wickets on Monday to seal a 22-run victory.

It was Archer's first Test after a four-and-a-half-year absence and Stokes went with a hunch to hand him the ball first thing when India resumed on 58 for four chasing 193 on the final day.

Archer claimed the crucial wicket of Rishabh Pant, knocking his off-stump out of the ground, then took a terrific catch off his own bowling to see off Washington Sundar and put England on top.

The hosts had a few nervy moments before moving 2-1 up in the series, with two to play, but Stokes admitted Archer's involvement went a long way to swinging things in their favour.