England speedster Jofra Archer is set to make his long-awaited return to Test cricket after more than four years, as he has been named in the playing XI for the third Test against India at Lord’s, starting Thursday.
The 30-year-old pacer replaces Josh Tongue in the only change to England’s lineup, with the five-match series currently tied 1-1.
Archer last donned the whites in February 2021, also against India, and has since battled a string of injury setbacks, including recurring elbow and back issues. His return marks a 1,595-day gap between Tests—an absence during which his red-ball career often looked in serious jeopardy.
“It’s really exciting—for Jof, for us, and for the fans,” said England skipper Ben Stokes. “He’s worked incredibly hard, and this comeback is a testament to his resilience. It’s a proud day for him.”
🏏 England XI for 3rd Test vs India:
Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir.
While Archer’s return grabs the headlines, England’s decision to stick with both Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse raised eyebrows. Woakes, 36, has taken just three wickets this series but boasts an extraordinary record at Lord’s—32 wickets in seven Tests at an average under 13. Carse, meanwhile, had appeared to struggle with a foot issue but has been passed fit.
Mark Wood, another key pacer, also trained at Lord’s this week as he eyes a return in the final Test at The Oval. If fit, it could set up a rare and explosive pairing of Archer and Wood, who have only played one Test together before.
Archer’s return to Lord’s carries a strong sense of symmetry. This iconic ground witnessed two of his most memorable England performances—bowling the dramatic Super Over in the 2019 World Cup final and rattling Steve Smith with a fiery spell in his Test debut against Australia later that summer.
Though Archer has played just one first-class match in preparation—an 18-over spell for Sussex against Durham—England believe he’s ready.
“If we didn’t think he could get through a Test, he wouldn’t be picked,” said Stokes. “We’re confident he’s ready.”
India have yet to confirm their XI, but Jasprit Bumrah is expected to return after being rested for the second Test.
📌 Key Stat: England have played 53 Tests since Archer’s last appearance.
📌 Watch This Space: Could we see a fiery Archer-Wood duo at The Oval?
Stay tuned to CricGend.com for full match coverage, analysis, and live updates from Lord’s!