Stuart Broad backs Jofra Archer to 'blow teams away' in Test cricket

The third day of the second Ashes Test at Lord's was another damp squib, with rain allowing for no play after the first session. But there was plenty for England to cheer about as their bowlers removed three Australian batsmen in helpful conditions to leave them reeling at 80/4.

Among the wicket-takers was debutant Jofra Archer, who got one to jag back in to have Cameron Bancroft trapped in front. The wicket-taking delivery aside, Archer bowled very well, consistently beating batsmen. He also occasionally utilised his sharp bouncer to unsettle the batsmen.

Broad, who removed Travis Head with a similar delivery that got rid of David Warner the previous evening, was impressed by what he saw in Archer and marked him out for a fruitful Test career.

"He's already been a successful international cricketer, having been involved in the World Cup win, but he's got some great attributes," Broad said. "These conditions at Lord's have been a bit favourable to the bowler on day one and day two, but that's not taking away anything he brings. You feel even on day four and day five pitches, with his height and bounce, he's going to bring the stumps into play.

"I don't think there are any doubts within the group or within the media that he has the attributes to be a Test cricketer. There's going to be times when he's going to blow teams away. What impressed me was his nagging line, the fact that he can bring all dismissals in. He's aggressive with his bouncer."

Having qualified for England just weeks before the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019, Archer has already become an global star, having bowled that high-pressure Super Over against New Zealand in the final to secure the title for his team. Broad seemed to caution against placing too many expectations on the youngster, pointing out that he is still not the finished article.

"This is his first Test match. It's a big learning experience. You sometimes forget he's, what, 24?" Broad said. "In our minds, because he's been involved in World Cups and been talked about so much in the last six months that we think he's a really experienced, older, knows-it-all cricketer. He's still learning his trade a little bit, although he's doing it with great success."