Jofra Archer learns Test cricket is hard, Tim Paine back in the runs and catches still win matches

During his explosive debut at Lord’s, England’s gifted fast bowling sensation Jofra Archer made things look easy. Since then he’s had to learn some hard lessons about the demands of Test cricket.

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Another Steve Smith masterclass guided Australia to a commanding position after an extraordinary day two of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford.

Smith was finally removed having plundered 211 runs with Australia declaring on 8-497 and then removing opener Joe Denly to leave England 1-23 with their backs against the wall and depending on the weather to keep their faint Ashes hopes alive.

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It was - as it often is - all about Smith (details of which can be found elsewhere on these pages). But here’s what else were learned on day two...

TIM PAINE, AND AUSTRALIA, NEEDED THAT 50

The Australian captain came in for a fair amount of criticism after the last day at Headingley, and he admitted he made plenty of mistakes.

Australia skipper Tim Paine contributed with the bat on the second day of the fourth Test.

But while his captaincy was the focus, his failures with the bat became more stark. He’d only scored 77 runs in six innings, and too often his dismissal was part of a bottom-order collapse. This time though, with Steve Smith flying, he finally hung around.

Paine was dropped twice, both early in his 125 ball innings, and late before he was finally out for 58.

But they were rare chances and in reaching his first half-century since a crucial 61 not out in Dubai in October 2018, Paine helped Australia pass 250, 300, then 350 in his 145-run stand with Smith, muzzling talk about his worth to the team.

BEN STOKES COULD BREAK

Amid the fervour over the England all-rounder’s batting deeds at Headingley, plenty pointed to his ironman bowling effort on day two as being just as important to the result.

Ben Stokes was a bona fide superhero at Headingley, but looked decidedly human in Manchester.

But those 14 straight overs look to have taken a toll.

Stokes was a non-event bowling at Old Trafford, slugged for 36 runs off his eight overs on day one, he then went for 15 off his first over after lunch on day two, his first for the day, then seven off the next.

He was replaced by part-time leggie Joe Denly, then only managed five balls in his next attempt before walking off with a sore shoulder, and figures of 0-66 from 10.5 overs.

JOFRA ARCHER HAS LOST SOMETHING

When Archer took 6-45 in the first innings at Headingley, having already put fear in the eyes of the Australian’s at Lord’s, the rookie England quick was supposed to take the series by the scruff of the neck.

Jofra Archer has learned some tough realities about Test cricket in the last fortnight.

But in his 41 overs since, at Leeds and now in Manchester, Archer has taken just 2-137, and his wickets were James Pattinson and Nathan Lyon.

He’s not only been down on pace at Old Trafford, but seemingly at odds with his captain Joe Root over how he should bowl.

He was forced to changed ends on day one, then Root was ordering him to come over or around the wicket at will. Test cricket is a meat grinder, and Archer is being tenderised.

CATCHES WIN MATCHES

Three England chances went down on day two and every one of them came at a significant cost.

Jofra Archer missed a tough return chance when Steve Smith batted a full toss back to him when he was only on 65. Then after lunch Tim Paine was dropped twice, both regulation, takeable, catches that summed up the home team’s horror show.

Jason Roy, who has dropped three catches this series, put Paine down the fourth ball after lunch when the Aussie captain was on nine, then sub fielder Sam Curran put down a miscued pull shot when Paine was on 49.

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MOMENTUM IS A DIRTY WORD

When Mitchell Starc hit Stuart Broad for four fours in a row in the 117th over of the game, England was looking for the white flag.

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Up and about two days before, talking about bringing all the momentum of their win at Headingley to Manchester, the home team was out on its feet.

Steve Smith had pummelled them, their attack dog Jofra Archer gave nothing, catches had been dropped, and then Starc, in for his first hit of the series, was swatting their best bowler with disdain and putting on 50-run partnerships with Smith, then Nathan Lyon, which could prove too much for England to come back from.