England Hand Archer Long-Awaited Comeback Against India

Jofra Archer is set to make a sensational return to Test cricket after 1,595 days, having been named in England’s playing XI for the third Test against India at Lord’s, beginning this Thursday. The 30-year-old speedster replaces Josh Tongue in the only change to the side that suffered a heavy defeat at Edgbaston, levelling the five-match series at 1-1.

Archer last played a Test match in 2021, also against India, before a series of back and elbow injuries cast long doubts over his red-ball future. His selection marks a major milestone in a challenging rehabilitation journey.

A Boost for England’s Pace Arsenal

Archer’s inclusion brings much-needed firepower to England’s bowling unit. Despite workload concerns, both Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse have been retained in the team, signalling England’s desire to field their best pace attack for the pivotal third match.

Fellow pacer Mark Wood was also seen training at Lord’s on Wednesday, raising the prospect of a potential return for the fifth Test at The Oval. Should both Archer and Wood regain full fitness, it would mark only the second time they have featured together in the same Test XI—a tantalising prospect for England fans.

A Journey of Resilience and Belief

Since his Test debut, Archer has claimed 42 wickets in 13 matches, but his career was derailed by injury setbacks that saw him miss 53 Tests over four years. Following a major setback in 2023, Archer committed to a thorough recovery programme supported by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), who continued to back him with central contracts.

The ECB’s unwavering faith in Archer’s potential has now paid off, as he returns to England’s red-ball plans at a time when his raw pace and match-winning ability are badly needed.

England’s XI for the Third Test vs India

• Ben Duckett

• Zak Crawley

• Ollie Pope

• Joe Root

• Harry Brook

• Ben Stokes (captain)

• Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper)

• Chris Woakes

• Brydon Carse

• Jofra Archer

• Shoaib Bashir

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When did Jofra Archer last play a Test match?
Archer last featured in a Test in 2021, also against India. His return at Lord’s ends a 1,595-day absence from red-ball cricket.

2. Why was Jofra Archer out of the England Test team for so long?
He was sidelined due to recurring elbow and back injuries, which required multiple rehabilitation phases and caused him to miss 53 Test matches.

3. What change has been made to England’s XI for the third Test?
Archer replaces Josh Tongue in the only change from the side that played at Edgbaston.

4. Is Mark Wood expected to return soon?
Yes, Mark Wood is recovering from a knee injury and was seen training at Lord’s. He is targeting a return in the final Test at The Oval.

5. How has Archer performed in Test cricket?
He has taken 42 wickets in 13 Tests, including several match-winning spells with his pace and aggression.

6. What is the current scoreline in the Test series between England and India?
The five-match series is tied at 1-1 after two Tests.