Archer bags six after Buttler and Malan hit tons

A resurgent Jofra Archer took six wickets to inspire England to a 59-run consolation victory against South Africa in the third one-day international.

Defending 347 after superb centuries from Dawid Malan and Jos Buttler, Archer took a match-changing 6-40 in his second match back after 17 months out injured.

He bowled at high pace and unsettled batters in a performance reminiscent of his debut international season in 2019.

The 27-year-old had Rassie van der Dussen caught in his first spell and, with the Proteas well placed at 158-3, he returned to dismiss Aiden Markram and David Miller in consecutive overs.

Heinrich Klaasen then threatened to take South Africa to a stunning victory with 80 from 62 balls but Archer ended his onslaught to all but decide the contest.

He then bowled Wayne Parnell to clinch his first five-wicket haul and wrapped up the match by dismissing Tabraiz Shamsi – the Proteas all out for 287 in 43.1 overs.

The win ends England’s five-match losing run in the format but the return to form of Archer could prove of far more significance in a year when his side host Australia in the Ashes, and defend the 50-over World Cup the paceman did so much to help win four years ago. (BBC)