From Ganguly to Glory: How a Shirt-Waving Moment Inspired Archer’s Lord’s Heroics

Archer Draws on Ganguly’s Iconic Lord’s Moment to Inspire Match-Winning Spell.

Stokes reveals how a memory from 2002 sparked Archer’s fire in England’s dramatic Test win over India England fast bowler Jofra Archer produced a match-winning spell at Lord’s against India, drawing unexpected inspiration from Sourav Ganguly’s famous shirt-waving celebration during the 2002 NatWest Trophy final — a moment etched into cricketing folklore.

The surprising connection was revealed by England captain Ben Stokes, who shared how the historic image of Ganguly baring his emotions on the Lord’s balcony served as an unusual motivator ahead of Day 5 of the third Test.

“I just said to him this morning, ‘You know what today is, don’t you?’” Stokes recalled after England’s tense 22-run victory. “He thought it was the World Cup final — the one we won in 2019. But I reminded him about the India chase with Ganguly waving his shirt. He was like, ‘Oh, that one.’ He’s an absolute beauty, that boy.”

Archer, back in full rhythm, struck twice during a decisive morning session — removing Rishabh Pant with a peach and then claiming a sharp return catch to dismiss Washington Sundar. Those blows tilted the low-scoring contest decisively in England’s favour.

“That Pant wicket was massive in a low run chase,” said Stokes, who also admitted to a gut feeling that Archer would make the difference. “We genuinely picked our XI today based on instinct. I just felt in my tummy that Jof would break it open — and he did.”

Interestingly, England’s win also coincided with the anniversary of their 2019 World Cup triumph, adding another layer of nostalgia to the occasion.

The camaraderie between Stokes and Archer was evident on the field too. “He wanted me at mid-on so he could talk to me,” Stokes said, grinning. “But I didn’t trust Carsey (Brydon Carse) at leg slip, to be honest.”

While Archer made headlines with the ball, it was Stokes who earned Player of the Match honours for a complete all-round performance. Despite his recent injury recovery, he bowled over 19 overs across both innings, applying relentless pressure with the ball while also leading tactically in a tense final session.

“There’s the physical toll, sure, but the mental and emotional fatigue from captaining in a fourth-innings chase is on a whole other level,” Stokes admitted. “But I’ll be absolutely sound for Manchester.”

The fourth Test begins in Manchester on 23 July, with England carrying renewed momentum and a familiar belief that something special can always happen — especially when cricket’s past finds new ways to inspire its present.