Archer destroys Australia as rain plays spoilsport

Australia have been bowled out for 179 in their first innings of the third Ashes Test at Headingley in a rain-trodden day. Even though David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne picked up fifties, it was Jofra Archer’s six wickets that crumbled the Aussies. 

The toss was delayed because of rain, and when it finally happened, England won the toss. English skipper Joe Root decided to hand the ball to his bowlers to make full use of the overcast conditions. Archer and Stuart Broad did exactly that as Archer picked up Harris just before the skies broke down again. Play resumed after a break as the players had an early lunch, and Usman Khawaja soon followed tickling a Broad delivery down the leg-side. Initially given not out, England were quick to review and overturn the decision. 

Warner then put up a 111-run stand with Labuschagne, who came into the team to replace concussed Steve Smith. Warner nicked an Archer delivery to Bairstow before Travis Head was bowled off a brilliant Broad delivery. The Aussie batting lineup then turned into dust as they lost their last six wickets for only 41 runs. Archer picked up his first five-wicket haul as Cummins edged a wide delivery to Bairstow and then wasted a review. Archer finished off with six for 45 as he pinned Nathan Lyon LBW in the last over of the day. 

Labuschagne scored a valiant 74 whereas Warner scored 61 - an indication of him returning to form. Stuart Broad picked up a couple of wickets while Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes picking up a piece each. 

As rain played spoilsport, only 52.1 overs could be played today and England would be hoping for a sunny morning on Friday as they look to come back from a 1-0 deficit.