Ashes 2025-26: ‘That’s where I wanted you to bowl’ - Stokes’ frustration boils over Archer in Adelaide

England’s hopes of reclaiming the Ashes are hanging by a thread, and captain Ben Stokes cut a frustrated figure as plans went awry, but Jofra Archer finally made his mark in Adelaide. The fast bowler produced a superb performance on the opening day of the third Test, cleaning up the Australian tail to register his best Test figures in six years.

Archer was involved in a spirited on-field discussion with Stokes early on the second day. While the right-arm pacer claimed his first five-wicket haul since 2019, he and Brydon Carse leaked runs late in the Australian innings, much to Stokes’ visible frustration.

Mitchell Starc, who recorded consecutive Test fifties for the first time in his career, took advantage by striking Archer and Carse for a flurry of boundaries on the second morning. Although Archer eventually bowled Starc with a superb delivery, Australia had already raced to quick runs, leaving Stokes unhappy with the bowling discipline.

“That was a breakdown in communication. Whether they got plans and haven’t executed the plans, or Jofra’s saying I need a third man, (Stokes has said), ‘Nah. that is where I wanted you to bowl.’,” said Mark Waugh on Kayo Sports coverage of the Ashes.

Archer began the day with figures of 3 for 29 from 16 overs and went on to finish with 5 for 53 from 20.2 overs, trapping Nathan Lyon lbw for nine with another high-quality delivery. However, Australia added a further 45 runs in just over eight overs to take their total to 372.

Archer evoked memories of his stunning arrival in Test cricket during the 2019 Ashes, drawing an ovation from the Adelaide Oval crowd as he walked off the field. During that series, he claimed 22 wickets in four Tests against Australia, including a career-best 6 for 45 from 17 overs that helped England clinch a thrilling victory at Leeds.

Between that Ashes series and his return to Australia last month, Archer managed only 11 Test appearances and struggled to consistently maintain his pace and rhythm in the lead-up to the third Test. Former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee had earlier predicted that Archer would step up in Adelaide, believing the fast bowler was better placed to do so after gaining match sharpness from playing the first two Tests.

“He bowled beautifully and deserved the ‘five fa’. He pitched the ball up. He bowled with good pace. He looked better for those two Test matches of preparation and it looked as though he got the rhythm right. This is a special moment. Anytime you get a ‘five fa’ and can raise the ball, it is well done. He has toiled hard and it has been hot conditions … and he thoroughly deserved the ‘five fa’. Well bowled,” said Lee on Fox Sports.