Holding challenges Archer to let loose

WEST INDIES fast-bowling legend Michael Holding last night urged Jofra Archer to let go of the handbrake and charge in on the quickest pitch of the summer as England threatened to begin yet another Test series with defeat.

Archer took three for 59 as Pakistan were bowled out for 326 on the second day of the first Test in Manchester, but without ever approaching the speeds he produced during his memorable debut series against Australia last summer.

He later said: ‘It’s not every day you’re going to come in and bowl 90mph. I’ve seen (Naseem) Shah started bowling at 90, so we’ll see how he goes later on.’

But Holding told Sky Sports: ‘This is the best pitch for fast bowling that I have seen this summer. It’s not lightning quick, but Jimmy Anderson had Jos Buttler taking the ball up by his shoulders, and he’s bowling 80-odd miles per hour.

‘If you’re capable of bowling 95mph, you should steam in for four or five overs and show you are quick.’

Co-commentator Shane Warne added: ‘I would like to see him bowl short spells and bowl two or three overs as fast as he can.’

Archer was not called upon in the post-lunch session by Joe Root until nearly 3.30pm, and laughed: ‘I wanted to start again after the break, but the captain knows best.’

Meanwhile, Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq praised opener Shan Masood, who held his side’s innings together and was ninth out for a career-best 156, saying: ‘He has now proved himself in England.’