Jofra Archer produced another moment of brilliance in the ongoing Ashes 1st Test as he sent back Marnus Labuschagne for 9, leaving Australia wobbling at 28/2 in the third session on Day 1 at Perth.
Labuschagne, who had already survived an intense phase of short-pitch bowling and a failed English review moments earlier, finally succumbed to a delivery that jagged back sharply. The right-hander shouldered arms at the worst possible moment, expecting the ball to pass harmlessly — but Archer’s movement off the seam proved decisive.
The ball nipped back in, brushed Labuschagne’s inside edge, and crashed into the stumps, sending the English players into a huge celebration. Archer, who had dismissed debutant Jake Weatherald for a duck earlier, is now single-handedly dragging England back into the contest.
Australia, who bowled England out for 172 in just 32.5 overs, were rocked early in their chase, losing Weatherald for 0 and now Labuschagne for 9 off 41 balls.
Usman Khawaja, who could not open due to time spent off the field, has now walked in at No.4 immediately after completing his mandatory penalty period.
With the hosts trailing by 144 runs, and Steven Smith battling through multiple blows to his arm and hand from the English quicks, the match has suddenly opened up again — all thanks to Archer’s fiery spell.
