Seconds shock England star takes six wickets and hits ton
GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S second XI had a shock as they came up against England paceman Jofra Archer in their clash with Sussex .
Archer was given a run out as as he attempts to prove his fitness ahead of the second Ashes Test.
The 24-year-old, who has been struggling with injury, was left out the crushing first Test defeat to Australia at Edgbaston.
He was England’s leading wickettaker with 20 during their recent World Cup success but required painkillers to deal with a side strain in that tournament.
Against an inexperienced Gloucestershire side, boasting only wicketkeeper-batsman Gareth Roderick from the senior ranks, Archer began in impressive fashion by taking two wickets in his opening five overs.
He had Tom Price caught behind for one by wicketkeeper Joe Billings on the second ball of the fifth over.
Roderick was Archer’s next victim, edging a delivery into the hands of Jack Carson on the third ball of the ninth over.
He recorded back-to-back maidens in the ninth and 11th overs of the match, which included the wicket of Roderick, as the Gloucestershire top and middle order enjoyed little joy
against their high-profile opponent.
Gloucestershire were all out for 79 at lunch after Archer took a further three wickets to finish with six for 27 and four maiden overs.
Dominic Goodman was caught by Tom Haines off the fourth delivery of the 29th over, before Archer followed that up two balls later by hitting Jack Worgan’s middle stump.
Gloucestershire top scorer Greg Willows was Archer’s final victim, caught by Carson for 38 at the start of the 33rd over.
After impressing with the ball, Archer continued his form with the bat as he brought up his half-century off 38 balls.
He came to the crease at number five with Sussex 52 for four.
His 50 included seven fours as well as two sixes in the space of three balls off George Drissell in the 27th over.
Archer brought up his century with a four in the 46th over.
His knock came off 84 balls and included 12 fours and four sixes.
Archer’s innings lasted 104 minutes before he was eventually trapped lbw by Scottish paceman Adrian Neill on 108.
His total came from 99 balls and included 12 fours and four sixes.