Former Australia batsman Matthew Hayden has expressed his disapproval of Jofra Archer’s decision to bring a pillow to the Gabba during the second Ashes Test. This incident occurred as England prepared to secure four wickets to stay competitive in the series.
Negative Reaction to Archer’s Pillow at the Gabba
During the third day of the second Ashes Test, Archer was spotted with a pillow under his arm, a sight Hayden deemed inappropriate for a cricketer. The former opener commented on Channel 7, saying, “I’m sorry, but that’s a shocking look.” He questioned Archer’s mindset and highlighted the importance of focus for a bowler in a crucial match environment.
Key Match Details
- Date: Third day of the second Ashes Test
- Location: Gabba, Brisbane
- Match Situation: Australia scored 450-8 after the first session, leading by 116 runs.
- Historical Context: England has only overturned a first-innings deficit of over 100 runs to win in Australia twice before, with the last instance in 1979.
As the match progressed, Australia resumed their innings at 378-6. Shortly after, England’s captain Ben Stokes successfully dismissed Michael Neser for 16. England took the new ball at the 80-over mark, with Gus Atkinson claiming Alex Carey’s wicket for 63. Despite Archer sharing the new ball, he bowled five overs without taking any wickets, conceding 13 runs.
Australia’s Resilient Ninth-Wicket Partnership
During the match, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland formed a solid partnership, contributing 34 runs in 16 overs before the break. Starc reached 46 runs, while Boland held firm with seven runs. This performance was critical for Australia, as it allowed them to bat longer before the onset of floodlights, presenting England with the challenge of facing a newer ball.
England’s Struggles and Archer’s Comeback
England’s day did not start well, exacerbated by an error-strewn performance the previous day, where they squandered five catching opportunities. Former captain Michael Vaughan voiced concerns over England’s preparedness, mentioning they appeared “jaded.”
Jofra Archer made his return to Test cricket in the previous summer after an extended absence due to injuries. By the first interval on the third day, he had bowled 25 overs, marking his second-highest count in a Test innings since 2019, only behind a previous performance against India.
As England faces mounting pressure in the Ashes series, the spotlight remains on Archer and his approach to the game going forward.
