Jofra Archer made an immediate impact on the final day of the third Test, striking twice in the opening session to push India further onto the back foot. The England pacer bowled with intensity and precision, first removing Rishabh Pant with a magnificent delivery that jagged back sharply to hit the off-stump. Archer then added to his tally by dismissing Washington Sundar, showing great athleticism to take a reflex one-handed return catch off his own bowling.
You cannot do that Jofra Archer!
Out of this world 😱 pic.twitter.com/mGNpgKPphl
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 14, 2025
Pant, known for his aggressive stroke play, had no answer to a delivery that cut in viciously off the seam. Beaten comprehensively, he saw his stumps shattered early in the session. Just four overs later, Sundar attempted an ill-advised shot and paid the price, as Archer flung himself to his left to complete a stunning grab, underlining his brilliance not just with the ball but also in the field.
Split screen angles just hit different with Jofra 😍👌 pic.twitter.com/9kf7r2QmUk
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 14, 2025
Meanwhile, controversy surrounded Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, who was penalised for his exuberant send-off to England opener Ben Duckett on Day 4. Siraj dismissed Duckett in the sixth over and proceeded to celebrate animatedly in the batter’s face, which drew the attention of the match officials. The International Cricket Council (ICC) subsequently fined him 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching the code of conduct and handed him one demerit point. This is Siraj`s second demerit point, the first coming in December 2024 after a heated exchange with Australia’s Travis Head.
However, there were no additional sanctions for a brief shoulder contact incident involving Siraj and Duckett, which occurred as the latter walked back to the pavilion. Former England captain Michael Atherton, speaking on Sky Sports, defended the decision of match referee Richie Richardson, stating that the physical contact appeared entirely accidental.
“There is a line, and no one wants to see physical altercations. So when Virat Kohli diverted his path to give young Sam Konstas a shoulder charge this winter, that`s a no-no. That should be stamped on. Yesterday, the little shoulder touch was entirely accidental. Siraj tried to get out of the way. Duckett just touched him as he walked off. The match referee has not taken any action on that shoulder barge, rightly, and just said Siraj was in Duckett`s face. To me, that`s something and nothing, 15 per cent of his match fee and one demerit point, let`s move on,” Atherton explained.
