Today’s back pages: Root backs Archer as England bid to level Ashes series

Root: Archer was born for this

England captain Joe Root has urged his team to take advantage of Steve Smith’s absence in the third Ashes Test starting today.

Australia star Smith has been ruled out of the Headingley Test because of concussion and The Guardian says it’s “England’s big chance” to level the series.

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Australia head to Leeds 1-0 up, but the arrival of Jofra Archer on the Test scene has given England confidence.

Root believes fast bowler Archer was “born to be king”, the Daily Mirror reports, and has backed the 24-year-old World Cup star to shine in a match that England must win.

The Ashes 2019: England vs. Australia squads, team news, predictions, results, fixtures, TV, odds