It was only South African batters he was dismissing, many having been fodder for Australia’s No.1 ranked Test attack during the home summer.

But after being smashed for 81 in the opening match of the ODI series against the Proteas, Archer’s return match after suffering elbow and back injuries, the fearsome fast bowler showed what he was capable of second-time up.

Regularly topping 145km/h in the match in Kimberley, Archer finished with career-best ODI figures of 6-40 in England’s triumph and declared it the “start of the road”.

“I had the best time off. I had enough of it to know I don’t miss home like I used to. I’ve done everything I needed to do in the last 18 months and I’m just ready to play cricket,” he said.

“It’s just a long road, this is a small tick but I want to see how I am in April, June, July and September. This is just the start of the road.

“Being back after however long, it’s kind of surreal. You only get that feeling after you start playing. It’s definitely gone up a few notches.”

England captain Jos Buttler said Archer was “brilliant” for his team as he took five wickets in an ODI for the first time.

Archer was a weapon for England in the 2019 Ashes, taking 22 wickets in his four Tests, the first four of his career, which included knocking Steve Smith out at Lord’s.

He’s hardly played since, however, battling injuries that required elbow surgery.

But having taken extra time with his recovery, he’s poised to again rattle the Australians in the Ashes series in England this year.