Jofra Archer found some unexpected inspiration for his match-winning spell at Lord’s – none other than Sourav Ganguly’s famous shirt-waving celebration back in 2002. England captain Ben Stokes shared that Archer was motivated by that iconic moment as he helped seal a thrilling 22-run win over India in the third Test.
Sourav Ganguly’s Iconic Celebration Inspires Archer
Ganguly’s celebration after India’s historic NatWest Trophy win at Lord’s remains one of cricket’s most unforgettable scenes, and it clearly left a lasting impression.
On Monday (July 14), Archer played a key role in England’s victory. He bowled a beauty to dismiss Rishabh Pant, then grabbed a sharp return catch to send Washington Sundar back. Chasing 193 in the fourth innings, India fell just short at the ‘Home of Cricket.’
Ben Stokes Reveals the Story Behind the Motivation
“I just said to him this morning, ‘you know what today is, don’t you?’ So he told me. ‘You know that highlights package of India knocking off 300-odd back in the day with Ganguly (waving shirt).’
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“He (Archer) thought that was the World Cup final. He thought that was six years today,” Stokes said after England’s narrow win.
Interestingly, England’s dramatic 2019 ODI World Cup win at Lord’s also happened on the same date. But when Ben Stokes brought it up, hoping to stir some motivation, Jofra Archer had a different memory in mind. Instead of the World Cup final from six years ago, Archer recalled Sourav Ganguly’s iconic celebration at the 2002 NatWest final – mixing up the two moments, but still drawing energy from a legendary cricketing scene.
“I was like, no…that World Cup that we won? He was like, ‘oh that one’. He’s an absolute beauty, that boy. I just had the feeling today and that Rishabh Pant wicket was massive in a low run chase,” said Stokes.
“We knew that turning up this morning was genuinely the reason why we went with me and Jof (Archer). It felt right in my tummy that Jof was gonna do something this morning to break the game open.
“Gut feel doesn’t always work but those two wickets he got this morning obviously swung the game massively in our favour.”
England’s Narrow Win at the Home of Cricket
The England captain has always backed the injury-prone Jofra Archer and shares a strong bond with him, both on and off the field.
“So he wanted me to come to mid-on and (Brydon) Carsey to go to leg slip so he could talk to me. But I didn’t trust Carsey at leg slip, to be honest,” said Stokes.
Ben Stokes was named Player of the Match for his standout performance, leading the way with both skill and determination. Back from injury, he bowled an impressive 24 overs in India’s second innings, keeping the pressure on throughout.
Despite the heavy workload, Stokes assured fans he’ll be ready for the next Test at Old Trafford, which kicks off on July 23.
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“I’ll be absolutely sound for Manchester. It’s a big break. Obviously, I was pretty tired after Headingley. But, yeah, after we walked off the field there, sort of a whole new level of tiredness hit.
“And it’s obviously different when you’re … I’ve been in games like that before, not as a captain, where I’ve been given the ball to run in and try to bowl the team to victory.
“But then now, adding on the decision making around bowling changes, field placings, how I feel we’re gonna get this win. Obviously, there’s a physical element of bowling in the fourth innings, but then it shouldn’t be underestimated how the emotional and mental tiredness does also get you as well,” he said.
Ben Stokes downplayed the tense moments and sledging between players during the third Test, calling it just part of the game and nothing to read too much into.
“I think in a big series like this there was always going to be a moment where the two teams were going to clash. I’m all for it as long as it does not cross the line,” he said.
“If you think about it, it’s 22 people out there playing for their country. The highest honour you can have in our sport. So, you can understand that sometimes emotions and tensions can get quite high,” he added.
“…I don’t think anyone in the Indian dressing room or anyone in the English dressing room is going to cry themselves to sleep over what was said or done out there. I don’t think it overstepped the line from the India team or from our team,” he further stated.
“It wasn’t really boiling up…it just happened but it adds to the spectacle of England vs India doesn’t it?,” he signed off.
ALSO READ: ‘11 Guys Coming At Them’: Ben Stokes Explains England’s Fiery Approach at Lord’s
