Jofra Archer Returns to England Test Squad After Four-Year Absence

Jofra Archer is poised to make his long-awaited return to Test cricket. He has been named in the England XI for the crucial third Test against India at Lord's, commencing on Thursday, July 10.

Archer's previous Test was also against India in 2021 © Getty

Archer replaces Josh Tongue, who has been the leading wicket-taker (11) in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. This is the only change to the England team following their second Test performance. This marks Archer's return to the Test arena for the first time since February 2021. The 30-year-old has previously played in 13 Test matches for England.

The fast bowler recently participated in red-ball cricket for Sussex against Durham in the County Championship. His last Test appearance for England was also against India in 2021. Since then, he has faced a series of injuries, including a back stress fracture. This injury sidelined him intermittently until 2024, after which he made his return to white-ball cricket in May of the previous year.

"It's been a long time coming for him," England captain Ben Stokes said in anticipation of the third Test. "The way in which he's handled the injury setbacks over that period has been very commendable... It's exciting to have him back in the squad and in contention for us... Very exciting for the group but also a pretty great day. I think Jof is going to be pretty proud of himself that he's managed to get himself back here after two pretty big injuries," he added.

Following India's victory at Edgbaston, which leveled the series, England added another pacer, Gus Atkinson, to their squad for the third Test. Captain Stokes had earlier suggested that changes to the bowling attack were likely, considering the workload management of the pacers.

"I think it's a case of we've had two tough games, a lot of time on the field and we've got through some overs as bowling unit. You get to this position here with back-to-back Test matches and you feel it's the right time to get some fresh legs in. It's exciting that we've had the ability to be able to call on someone like that," Stokes commented on Archer's comeback.

Stokes is confident that Archer, despite the injury setbacks and extended absence, can recreate the magic of his memorable 2019 Ashes performance at Lord's. "It's obvious whenever he does get the ball in his hand there is that change in the game. I think the opposition feel it as well because they know what he can do with a spell. I don't think there's any reason as to why we can't see Jofra Archer operate at a level like we've seen here in [the past]," Stokes stated.

The captain also indicated that England will not be overly cautious with Archer's bowling spells. "It will all be a sort of in the moment kind of thing. Same with anyone [else]. When you do get a sense to maybe give someone an extra over or two than you originally planned because they feel like they're being a big threat and you can maybe get one or two more over that could potentially get a wicket. But there's definitely going to be no preconceived ideas around him bowling spells of four or five."

England's confirmed XI for the third Test is:

England XI for 3rd Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (wk), Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir, Brydon Carse, Chris Woakes

The remaining matches in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 will take place at:

• Lord's (July 10-14)
• Old Trafford, Manchester (July 23-27)
• The Oval (July 31- August 4)