Average speed 90.7mph: Jofra Archer bowls fastest spell of Test career; calls speed guns “awkward”

Jofra Archer produced the fastest spell of his Test career as England bowled out Pakistan for 110 on Day 2 of the second Test at Lord’s to take complete control of the match.England’s pace attack took full advantage of the conditions after Pakistan continued with hopes of staying in the game. Ollie Robinson finished with 4/11, Archer took 3/26 and Josh Tongue returned 2/27 as Pakistan were bowled out for 110, giving England a 180-run first innings lead.Archer set the tone before lunch with a five-over spell that produced the first breakthrough. According to CricSeehis opening spell averaged 90.7mph, with some deliveries reaching 94mph. He dismissed Pakistan captain Shan Masood, who was caught behind as the visitors went to lunch at 16/2 after 14.1 overs.Despite the numbers on the speed gun, Archer said he’s not convinced they’re accurate.“No, the speed gun isn’t working properly,” said the 31-year-old. “I’ve seen some of them (speeds) and thought, well, it wasn’t really. I don’t know who’s up in the box working on it, but thanks. I remember playing here in the Ashes in 2019 and thinking the same thing. Maybe the speed guns are a bit risky here.”Robinson and Tongue continued to press after Archer’s initial burst. Archer praised the pace attack for working together rather than relying on one bowler.“Everybody’s chipped in. Ollie’s been phenomenal since he’s started (playing) again. Gus and Tonguey, they’re all catching up,” Archer said. “With this offense, you don’t have to go out and do too much. You don’t have to try too hard. You know you’re going to have somebody backing you up.”Pakistan’s batting struggled throughout the innings. Opener Azan Awais was the only batsman to offer resistance with 46 before he pulled Robinson to deep square leg. Saud Shakeel was the next highest scorer with 16.England ended the day on 81/3 in their second innings, extending their total lead to 261 runs.Even with rain forecast for Day 3, England remain in the lead as they look to secure their first home Test series victory in two years.