Archer fires subtle dig at IPL over easy pitches: Back to normal in England

England pacer Jofra Archer believes bowling in English conditions is a return to "normal" after spending the IPL on "easy wickets and smaller boundaries" in India, saying bowlers have a much bigger margin for error back home.

In Short

• England secured a crushing 125-run win over India in the third T20I
• India were bowled out for 76 in 11.4 overs, chasing 202
• Archer said English conditions allowed bowlers greater room for error

England fast bowler Jofra Archer said bowling in English conditions feels like a return to "normal" after spending months adapting to the "easy wickets and smaller boundaries" in India, particularly during the IPL.

Archer made the remarks after starring in England's crushing 125-run win over India in the third T20I at Trent Bridge on Tuesday. The right-arm quick returned figures of 3 for 29, while Josh Tongue claimed 4 for 38 as India were bundled out for just 76 in 11.4 overs while chasing 202, their biggest defeat by runs in T20I history.

When asked whether facing Indian batters in England required a different approach after competing against many of them in the IPL, Archer said the conditions allowed bowlers greater room for error.

"I think it goes back to normal here," Archer said at the post-match press conference.

"You try to bowl the ball straight on a good length. Whereas over there, because the wickets are so easy and the boundaries are so small, you have to be really, really particular. Here, I feel your margin for error is a little bit bigger."

200 ISN'T ALWAYS SAFE IN IPL

Archer also highlighted the contrast between English conditions and the IPL, saying England's total of 201 was always going to be difficult to chase at Trent Bridge.

"At the IPL, sometimes 200 isn't safe. With 200 on the board on that wicket, I don't want to say we were confident, but I felt it would have taken a really special innings to chase it down," he said.

"I'm just glad everybody chipped in. Everybody who bowled got wickets today, so it was a complete bowling performance."

India's struggles have continued since arriving in the United Kingdom. After losing the T20I series to Ireland, Shreyas Iyer's young side now trail England 2-0 in the five-match series after the opening match was washed out.

IND vs ENG, 3rd T20I: Highlights

Archer and the towering Josh Tongue once again led England's pace attack, regularly exceeding 144 kmph and exploiting the extra bounce on offer. Together, they claimed seven wickets to rip through India's batting order.

However, Archer insisted it was discipline rather than express pace that made the difference.

"No, not really. I think we both bowled pretty well in Manchester. Neither of us really got the wickets to show for it there, so we're just glad we got something today.

"I don't think it was that pacey, to be honest. It may have been a little quicker, but there was a strong wind, so honestly I didn't really feel that out of the hand."

ARCHER VS SOORYAVANSHI NOW LEVEL

One of the talking points of the series has been Archer's duel with his Rajasthan Royals teammate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

The 15-year-old announced himself by smashing Archer for a first-ball six on his T20I debut in Manchester. But Archer responded at Trent Bridge, dismissing the teenager with a sharp 145 kmph lifter after Sooryavanshi had scored 13.

Asked about the growing rivalry, Archer joked that honours were now even.

"Well yeah, I think it's even now. But we've got another two games left and it could go either way, so may the best man win."

Archer also praised opener Phil Salt, whose 44-ball 70 provided the platform for England's imposing total.

"I guess it was really important. Obviously, knowing Phil as well, he would have liked to get going from the start. I'm really glad he didn't throw his hand away because at one point he was five off nine.

"The flow probably would have come in the next few balls anyway, so I'm really glad he stuck at it. Sometimes you're not going to hit every ball from the start. I'm glad he spent some time in the middle and hopefully he can carry that through the rest of the series."

The fourth T20I will be played in Bristol on Thursday, with the fifth and final match scheduled for Southampton on Saturday.

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