Jofra Archer returns to England XI for Lord’s Test against India
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London: England have named fast bowler Jofra Archer in their playing XI for the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India, set to begin at Lord’s on Thursday, July 10. Archer comes in as a replacement for Josh Tongue, as England aim to bounce back from a crushing 336-run defeat at Edgbaston.
The five-match Test series is currently level at 1-1, with India’s dominant performance at Edgbaston marking their first-ever win at the venue. England now look to regain momentum at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground, where conditions are expected to differ significantly from Edgbaston and Headingley.
Archer, who last featured in a Test for England in February 2021, has endured a lengthy absence due to a recurring elbow injury and a stress fracture in his back. His return to the squad for the second Test was a significant step, and his inclusion in the playing XI is seen as a major boost for England's pace attack.
The 29-year-old Sussex pacer has taken 42 wickets in 13 Tests at an average of 31.04. His pace and bounce are likely to be key weapons on a Lord’s pitch expected to offer more pace than swing.
Josh Tongue, who makes way for Archer, might consider himself unlucky after emerging as the leading wicket-taker of the series so far with 11 scalps, edging out India’s Akash Deep by one. Despite his form, team management has opted for the experience and impact of a fully fit Archer.
Meanwhile, Gus Atkinson, who had been added to the England squad ahead of the Lord’s Test, misses out on the playing XI. Atkinson has not played since sustaining a hamstring injury during England’s one-off Test against Zimbabwe in May.
India’s commanding win in the second Test has put pressure on the Ben Stokes-led side to respond. England struggled with both bat and ball at Edgbaston, and Archer’s return could offer the spark they need.
England Playing XI:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir
With IANS inputs
