💥 Read this awesome post from BBC Sport 📖
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✅ Main takeaway:
England’s figure of 175 was well below their average first innings total of 244 in ODIs in Hamilton.
In fact, that number was more than a hundred points behind the average winning score – 287 – when batting first on the ground.
With so few runs to play with, England’s bowlers needed to combine accuracy and control.
Archer brought them through 10 overs of top-class fast bowling across two overs as he marked in his first outing of the winter.
The 30-year-old set the tone early with a full delivery in his first over that left Young trapped in front.
The New Zealand batsmen were jumping around the crease, with Archer showing his teeth with some short balls.
Archer’s pace was high there as well. He averaged 87.4mph over his two spells with his fastest delivery of the day clocking in at 90.2mph.
The Barbados-born fast bowler’s other two wickets owed little more to fortune – with Ravindra hooking him with Adil Rashid at deep and Bracewell sticking one of his pads into wicket-keeper Jos Buttler’s gloves.
However, they were acquired through stress episodes. Archer’s 51 balls were the most he bowled in an ODI when he sent 10 overs.
“He’s a great football player,” Brook said afterwards.
“Everyone loves watching him — his speed is 90 mph and he cuts it both ways. For him to throw 3-23 is amazing. It’s great to have him back.”
Archer’s injury problems and careful management over the past few years have been well documented.
But the fact that he looks ready to throw himself down the field – diving to stop balls on the boundary at fine leg – shows there are no scars.
There will be no retreat this winter.
England coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes will have taken keen notice. So does Australia, with a little trepidation.
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