London: Archer starred as world champions England staged a stunning fightback to beat Australia by 24 runs in the second one-day international at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Australia, cruising to a modest victory target of 232, were dismissed for 207 as England levelled the three-match series at 1-1.
The tourists were in comand at 144-2, but lost four wickets for three runs — including Australia captain Aaron Finch for 73 — to be 147-6, the new-ball duo of Chris Woakes (3-32) and Archer (3-34) returning to do the damage on a used pitch.
And when left-arm paceman Sam Curran, recalled alongside brother Tom, took two wickets in two balls, after Woakes and Archer had completed their maximum 10-over stints, Australia were 166-8.
Sam Curran then had Adam Zampa caught at mid-off from a well-disguised slower ball, to leave Australia on the brink of an extraordinary defeat at 176-9.
Leg-spinner Adil Rashid ended the match with eight balls to spare when he had Alex Carey stumped by Jos Buttler.
Player-of-the-match Archer, asked how he had been so quick so early in his spell, praised the influence of England captain Eoin Morgan.
I guess if you feel well you are going to bowl well most of the time, Archer told Sky Sports.
Morgs gives me the freedom to bowl whatever I want. He very seldom tells you ‘no, don’t do that’, added Archer, who bowled he decisive Super Over in England’s dramatic World Cup final win over New Zealand last year. ‘This is a second-day wicket so you don’t have to do too much or get too funky with variations.’