After more than four years away from Test cricket, Jofra Archer is set to return to England’s playing XI for the third Test against India at Lord’s, starting Thursday. Archer replaces Josh Tongue in the side, marking his first red-ball appearance since early 2021—when he last faced India.
In that series opener in Chennai, Archer made an immediate impact, removing Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill and helping England to a big win. While injuries have repeatedly sidelined him, Archer has remained a feared fast bowler whenever fit, though questions about his long-format readiness persisted.
His return comes at a crucial time: the five-match series is tied 1-1, with India’s top order, especially Gill, in superb form. Archer’s previous success against Gill—having dismissed him in both innings of his last Test outings—gives England a potential edge at the ‘Home of Cricket’.
Apart from Archer’s inclusion, England have stuck with the same lineup despite their heavy defeat in the second Test. Zak Crawley and Chris Woakes, both under scrutiny for poor performances, retain their places as England look to reclaim the series lead.
