Pacer set for red-ball comeback after over four years; replaces Josh Tongue for third Test

England have confirmed the return of Jofra Archer to their Test XI for the third Test against India at Lord’s, starting Thursday. Archer, who has been battling injuries for the past few years, is set to play his first red-ball game since early 2021, coincidentally also against India.

The express pacer replaces Josh Tongue in the only change to England’s side following their crushing defeat in the second Test. With the five-match series currently level 1-1, England will be banking on Archer’s pace and pedigree to tilt the balance in their favour at the iconic ‘Home of Cricket’.

LONG-AWAITED COMEBACK AFTER INJURY WOES

Archer’s return marks his 14th Test appearance after a prolonged absence from the format due to recurring elbow and back injuries. His last Test outing came during England’s 2021 tour of India, where he featured in two matches before injury curtailed his involvement.

Though Archer has made sporadic white-ball appearances since then, his fitness has remained a major concern for the longer format. His inclusion now signals both England’s renewed faith in his fitness and the importance of this Test in the context of the series.

PROVEN RECORD AGAINST INDIA – AND SHUBMAN GILL

Archer’s return carries an extra edge due to his previous success against India’s top order—particularly Shubman Gill. In the first Test of the 2021 series in Chennai, Archer removed both Gill and Rohit Sharma early, setting the tone for England’s eventual 227-run victory. Despite England losing that series 3-1, Archer’s impact in the opening match was pivotal.

In the third Test of the same series, played on a spin-friendly Ahmedabad pitch, Archer had limited opportunities but still managed to dismiss Gill again, underlining his effectiveness against India’s emerging opener.

ENGLAND STICK WITH UNDER-PRESSURE PLAYERS

Despite suffering a 336-run drubbing in the second Test, England have opted for continuity, with no other changes to the playing XI besides Archer’s inclusion. Zak Crawley, whose form remains patchy, and all-rounder Chris Woakes, who has had minimal impact so far, both retain their places.

Captain Ben Stokes and the team management have chosen to back experience and cohesion as England seek to gain a crucial series lead at Lord’s.

ENGLAND’S PLAYING XI FOR 3RD TEST VS INDIA AT LORD’S:

Zak Crawley

Ben Duckett

Ollie Pope

Joe Root

Harry Brook

Ben Stokes (C)

Jamie Smith (WK)

Chris Woakes

Brydon Carse

Jofra Archer

Shoaib Bashir

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

With the series delicately poised at 1-1, the Lord’s Test is expected to be a fiercely contested affair. Archer’s return not only adds firepower to England’s pace attack but also brings a psychological advantage, given his prior battles with India’s top order. As he aims to re-establish himself in Test cricket, all eyes will be on how Archer fares in his red-ball comeback on one of the sport’s grandest stages.