Jofra Archer's workload in Lord's Ashes Test was 'abuse', says Michael Holding

The England fast bowler delivered 22 of the 57 overs bowled on the penultimate day as he battled it out with Steve Smith in a compelling Test match duel with the Australian batsman

Former West Indies fast bowler and current Sky Sports commentator Michael Holding has labelled Jofra Archer's workload during the Lord's Ashes Test match as 'abuse'.

The 24-year-old bowled 22 of the 57 overs that were bowled on the penultimate day of the second Test, which saw a compelling contest between Archer and Australian batsman Steve Smith play out.

Smith was forced off the field with concussion after receiving a blow and will consequently miss the third Test match at Headingley, but Holding fears England may be running the fast bowler, who sent down 44 overs in the whole match, into the ground.

"It's abuse," Holding told The i.

Jofra Archer was overworked at Lord's, according to Michael Holding

"England need to be very careful with Archer. He is obviously very fit, as you could see with his recovery from the side strain.

"He relies on rhythm and looks very relaxed running in. All that is in his favour but it is not sustainable for England to use him like this in every match.

"Archer bowled a third of all the overs bowled on that day. That's a spinner's quota.

"If you keep bowling him like this you will lose the 96mph delivery."

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