Jofra Archer claims first wicket for England on international debut against Ireland
Sussex seamer takes 1-40 off eight overs in Malahide
Friday 3 May 2019 16:06, UK
England's Jofra Archer uprooted Mark Adair's off-stump to claim his first international wicket in spectacular fashion.
Archer seized his maiden scalp with a sizzling 90.3mph yorker that castled the dangerous Adair, who had blasted an impressive 32 off 30 balls for Ireland in the standalone ODI.
The 24-year-old raised his right arm and pointed to the skies in triumph as he wheeled away in celebration, then pumped the air before receiving the congratulations of this team-mates.
It was a timely strike - Archer's eagerly-anticipated debut having produced figures of 0-36 off 6.1 overs up to that point despite the Sussex paceman consistently challenging, and occasionally passing, the 90mph-barrier.
Skipper Eoin Morgan handed Archer the second over after England won the toss only to see the first delivery from his 'X-factor' bowler despatched unceremoniously for four by Paul Stirling.
Archer subsequently went wicketless in his first four overs, which cost 21, and wasn't recalled until the 29th over by which time Ireland were six wickets down.
The Barbados-born bowler did have a hand to play in the first, though, when he fell forwards at mid-on to get his fingers under a low chance at mid-on after Stirling miscued a Tom Curran delivery.
Archer had earlier received his first cap from former batsman and current Sky Sports Cricket commentator Rob Key, having qualified for England after a change in residency rules.
ARCHER'S DEBUT DAY
09.30am: The fast bowler gets into the groove by bowling a surprise spot of spin, chuckling away with Chris Jordan as warm-ups begin.
10.20am: Admits to nerves kicking in during pre-match interview with Rob Key.
Midday: Receives cap from Key and poses for pictures with fellow debutants Malan and Foakes
Over 2 - Ire 6-0: Bowls first ball for England and is driven square for four by Paul Stirling. Concedes five in total.
Over 4 - Ire 20-0: Stirling drives an 88mph delivery sweetly for four through mid-off as six runs come off Archer's second over.
Over 6 - Ire 30-0: Finds a better length against Stirling, beating the opener's outside edge with some lift with his final ball. Figures of 0-13 off three.
Over 8 - Ire 41-0: Stirling flays first ball square for four, then is airborn as he paddles fourth to the fine leg rope. Archer blowing hard. Archer takes breather with figures of 4-0-21-0.
Over 12 - Ire 55-1: Archer, falling forwards, does well to get his fingers under a low chance at mid-on as England bag their first wicket - Stirling unable to clear the infield. VIDEO
Over 29 - Ire 129-6: Adair sways out of the way of a well-directed short ball as Archer returns to the attack; his final ball of his fifth over is the fastest ball of the day so far at 91.1mph. 5-0-26-0.
Over 31 - Ire 142-6: Adair swats an 88mph delivery straight down the ground with disdain. Archer responds with a rasping bouncer that has Dockrell ducking. Figures 6-0-35-0.
Over 32.2 - Ire 157-7: WICKET! And what a way to get your first! Archer uproots Adair's off-stump with a precise yorker and wheels away in triumph. Finishes with figures of 1-40 off eight overs.
Live coverage of the standalone ODI between Ireland and England continues on Sky Sports Cricket and Main Event, and across Sky Sports digital platforms.
