Jofra Archer returns in England Test cricket for the first time in over four years. England have made a big and brave decision by including him in the playing XI for the 3rd Test against India at Lord’s. As the series is tied 1-1, this move could change the game.
To begin with, Archer last took the field for a Test match back in February 2021. Since then, he’s had to deal with a string of injuries and a lengthy recovery process. But the good news is, he’s made a solid comeback! England is counting on his speed and talent to give their bowling attack a much-needed boost.
Key Details:
| Detail | Information |
| Match | ENG vs IND, 3rd Test at Lord’s |
| Series Score | Tied 1-1 |
| England’s Change | Jofra Archer replaces Josh Tongue |
| Archer’s Last Test | February 2021 vs India |
| Test Record | 42 wickets in 13 Tests |
Furthermore, Archer replaces Josh Tongue in the squad. Tongue bowled well in the last match, but England wanted more firepower. They expect Archer to create pressure on the Indian batters from the very start.
England’s XI for the 3rd Test
| Player | Role |
| Zak Crawley | Opening Batter |
| Ben Duckett | Opening Batter |
| Ollie Pope | Batter |
| Joe Root | Batter |
| Harry Brook | Batter |
| Ben Stokes (c) | All-Rounder, Captain |
| Jamie Smith (wk) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Chris Woakes | All-Rounder |
| Brydon Carse | Fast Bowler |
| Jofra Archer | Fast Bowler |
| Shoaib Bashir | Spinner |
Many cricket experts see this as a smart and bold move. Archer adds speed and aggression to the bowling line-up. Moreover, England captain Ben Stokes called him a “game-changer.” He said that Archer can turn the match around with just one spell. Meanwhile, Indian batters like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will need to prepare well. Archer’s pace and bounce can make things very difficult, especially in English conditions.
The following are some crucial factors to be aware of:
- Archer’s performance after a long break
- Battle between Archer and India’s star players
- What happens to the pitch at Lord’s during the game
- England’s strategy with a mixed pace attack
So far, each side has won one game. This makes the 3rd Test very important. A win here could give a big advantage in the five-match series. With Archer in the team, England’s bowling attack looks stronger. On the other hand, India’s batters have looked confident. Therefore, fans can expect a close and exciting match.
In conclusion, Jofra Archer returns in England Test cricket at a perfect time. His comeback adds excitement to an already intense series. If he performs well, it could be a turning point for England. Fans from both sides will be watching closely as the 3rd Test begins at Lord’s.
