England cricketer Jofra Archer has claimed he might be able to play Test cricket until the age of 40, crediting the team's four-man pace attack for the potential extension of his career. The 31-year-old is currently playing alongside Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, and Gus Atkinson in the Test series against Pakistan, marking the first time this quartet has featured together.
Archer stated that the presence of extra seamers means that "no-one is ever going to be overworked because everyone shares the overs out." He added that if a player feels tired, they can be substituted out and return refreshed.
During the second day at Lord's, Archer bowled with significant pace, reaching 94mph and averaging 90.7mph in an opening spell. He dismissed Shan Masood and caused difficulties for Azan Awais. Despite the speed gun registering high speeds, Archer downplayed the figures, saying, "Nah, the speed gun isn’t working properly."
Meanwhile, Pakistan's head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed addressed reports that his team nearly boycotted an afternoon session on day one. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was reportedly angered by a Sky Sports interview with the sons of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, which aired during the lunch interval. Sarfaraz Ahmed denied knowledge of any such interview or potential boycott, stating, "we are just focusing on the match."
Heavy rain is forecast for Saturday's play, which may require England to be patient as they continue their second innings, currently at 81 for three.