Robinson-Archer partnership helps England clinch 2-0 Test series over Pakistan

England secured a 2-0 win over Pakistan to clinch the Test series at Lord's on Sunday, wrapping up the contest with a day and a game to spare. The new-ball pairing of Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer led the attack, supported by Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson.

Robinson and Archer were bowling together in Test cricket for the first time and have taken 24 of Pakistan’s 38 possible wickets in the ongoing series. Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson accounted for the other 14 wickets after coming off helping Manchester win the Hundred competition. The quartet’s form has excited England supporters, who have fingers crossed that the four quicks can stick together for the home Ashes series against Australia in less than 10 months.

Ollie Robinson has been the standout bowler in the series, producing figures of 8-80 at Leeds and 8-35 at Lord's. He was brought out of exile in June after two years, later suffered an injury and did not finish the series defeat to New Zealand. Robinson has been named the player of the match in all three of his tests this summer.

Jofra Archer regularly bowls over 90 mph (145 kph) and has hit 95 mph (153 kph), a pace element that complements Robinson’s style. Robinson said: "My role doesn't change, it allows me to be a bit more defensive if anything. I can just hold and be patient and not try to punch through the batters." The report added: "Archer puts batters in a foxhole and when they poke their heads up Robinson knocks them out."

New captain Joe Root reflected on the new-ball group after the first Test in Leeds, saying the four "do not know how good they can be." At Lord's he said: "It's just getting used to it, seeing how it works, having a good understanding of it for me as captain, for them as bowlers and for us as a side," and added, "The more that happens I think the better for it we'll be." Root also said: "He's bowling beautifully," and commented, "If you asked good questions of guys' defense for long period of times with a wicket that gives you assistance, you're going to cause problems. He's been phenomenal, relentless."

Pakistan arrived for its first tour of England in six years and had been described in the report as underwhelming and struggling; the Lord's defeat was its 10th in its last 11 away Tests. The Somerset of results left Pakistan unable to stop England's pace battery across the first two matches.

The third and final Test is scheduled to start on Sept. 9 at Edgbaston.