England fast bowler Jofra Archer opined that Australia got complacent at Headingley and that was the reason behind their loss. The pace sensation also stressed that England were glad their chance to win the Ashes was still alive. The hosts now have the confidence to turn things around.
“That’s the thing, never get complacent,” Archer said on August 28, Wednesday.
“To be fair, 359 runs is a lot of runs. The crowd started to get on their backs as well, I think they panicked a bit. They probably thought they were going to roll us if they got a few quick early wickets but they didn’t and I’m glad we showed some resistance because the series isn’t over and in the upcoming games I don’t think they’ll declare now.”
The 24-year-old felt that the loss in Leeds would continue to haunt the Aussies.
“If they do have a chance I don’t think they’ll be too attacking. If they draw the series they still get to retain the Ashes. They were in the field for a long time. They got to the second new ball and still couldn’t bowl us out. All of those mental facts should sit with them next game.”
With Steve Smith likely to return for the Old Trafford Test, the fans will be excited to witness the battle between Australia’s in-form batsman and Archer. Smith has already begun mind games by saying he has the advantage as the bowler couldn’t get him out at Lord’s.
Continuing the banter, Archer said –
“Well, I can’t get him out if he wasn’t there. But there’ll be more than ample time to get him out. I’m not saying I won’t get him out but if we don’t get him out there are 10 other people we can get out and if he’s stranded on 40 that’s not helping his team too much. He can’t do it all himself. We want to win the game. I’m not here to get caught up in a contest with one man. I want to win the Ashes.”
In a nail-biting encounter, England almost lost the game. But Nathan Lyon made a mess of a run-out opportunity that gave the hosts tremendous relief and a “second life.”
“When Lyon fumbled the run-out, you could hear a heartbeat in the dressing room. There were so many emotions flying around. When the scores were level, it was just a big cheer. At least we knew the series was not over,” Archer revealed.
“He did give us a second life in this series. Everyone would like to win the World Cup and the Ashes as well so there’s no reason why we shouldn’t go and do it now.”
The two teams will now battle it out at Old Trafford, Manchester on September 4 before meeting at The Oval for the final Test starting from September 12.
