Jofra Archer's bouncer that struck Marnus Labuschagne on the final day of the second Ashes Test at Lord's made the latter the 20th recipient of Archer's lethal bouncers.
Archer has now hit the body or head of 20 batsmen already, having played just 14 ODIs and a Test and T20I apiece. He is making quite the name for himself and is already regarded as one of the most lethal bowlers in the world currently. Twitter is already abuzz with comments on Archer's lethal bouncers.
This is the real time speed of Jofra Archer striking Marnus Labuschagne #Ashes #Ashes2019 pic.twitter.com/E9xj1OgXLW
— Duncan McKenzie-McHarg (@duncanmcmc) August 18, 2019
Complete this sentence:
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) August 18, 2019
I'd rather ______ than face Jofra Archer.
Use #bbccricket and get involved. (Keep it clean!)
Live: https://t.co/8TTqeG2FiK#bbccricket #Ashes pic.twitter.com/bZ39GErvVg
When your batting against Jofra Archer pic.twitter.com/rfeo0V0jK7
— Craig Osborne (@CraigOsborne87) August 18, 2019
Jofra Archer, waiting to bat today...#Ashes pic.twitter.com/T1qI6gCU46
— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) August 17, 2019
Australia's guide to facing Jofra Archer:
— bet365 (@bet365) August 18, 2019
Duck
Dodge
Dive
Dip
And dodge#Ashes pic.twitter.com/eHQQFUzMCF
If there is anyone who bowls a meaner, crueller, better disguised bouncer than Jofra Archer, he hasn't been seen yet.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 17, 2019
Archer was the pick of the bowlers in the second Test after he ripped through the Aussie batting order. He picked up two wickets in the first innings and three in the second. He dismissed David Warner in the first and second innings―the first one a crack at the stumps while the second was caught behind. Averaging at just 2.06, he was the most economical bowler in the match.
Archer's Test debut could not have been better, but missed out on perfection as Australia stuck on to draw the match, thanks to some defiant batting by Labuschagne and Travis Head.
Labuschagne was hit on the head while he was zero but went on to score 59 runs. He was replacing Steven Smith who was rested after being diagnosed of a late concussion. Smith was hit by Archer in the first innings while he was batting on 80. He was later dismissed for 92. Archer was criticised for his reaction after hitting Smith. He was caught on camera smiling while Smith lay on the ground. Many took to Twitter to express their displeasure at Archer for not showing sportsman spirit.