WEBDESK: Jofra Archer will be back in the playing XI in the third test against India at Lord according to the confirmation from England and this becomes one of the major moments in the journey of Jofra in his cricketing career. This encounter will also be Archer first red-ball performance since February of 2021 after a long struggle with injuries on both elbow and back.
The 29-year-old fast bowler will step back onto the field at Lord’s, where he made his memorable Test debut in 2019.
His return follows a recent first-class outing for Sussex, where he bowled 18 overs and showed signs of full fitness, prompting his selection for the must-win match.
The presence of Archer is considered to be an excellent morale booster to the England team that is looking to recover after their humiliation by 336 runs in the second Test at Edgbaston.
His speed and pace is likely to bring in a much required sharpness to the England bowling attack.
This will be Archer’s 14th Test cap, and his return draws parallels to his 2019 debut, when he was drafted in after Steve Smith’s dominance in the Ashes opener.
This time, Archer is tasked with halting the red-hot form of India’s captain Shubman Gill.
Despite Archer’s return, England have retained Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes in the side.
Carse, who has bowled 77 overs in the series so far and appeared to struggle with a toe issue in the second Test, continues to be part of the pace unit.
Archer last featured in a Test at Lord in the 2019 Ashes, where his aggressive spells left a mark and an acrimonious rivalry with Steve Smith.
Archer took part in 13 Tests between 2019 and 2021, taking 42 wickets at an average of 31.04. He was outstanding in the Ashes tournament of 2019 when he took 20 wickets with an impressive average of 20.27.
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