England have recalled fast bowler Jofra Archer for the third Test against India at Lord’s, which will be his first appearance in red-ball cricket in four years.
The 29-year-old pacer has battled persistent elbow and back injuries over the past four years, restricting him to limited-overs formats.
He recently returned to first-class action with Sussex and impressed enough to be named in the playing XI for Thursday’s Test—at the very ground where he made his memorable debut during the 2019 Ashes.
His comeback mirrors his debut in more ways than one. In 2019, Archer was brought in to unsettle Australia’s Steve Smith; this time, he’s expected to target Shubman Gill, who piled up a record-breaking 430 in the previous Test.
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Archer replaces Josh Tongue, England’s leading wicket-taker in the series, who has shouldered a heavy workload. Despite lingering injury concerns, Brydon Carse retains his spot alongside Chris Woakes, as Gus Atkinson remains sidelined.
England captain Ben Stokes said Archer was given extra time to train and build confidence with the squad. Head coach Brendon McCullum has declared him “ready to go.”
Archer has 42 Test wickets at an average of 31.04.
In the ongoing series against India, England are trailing by 0-2, and are under pressure to bounce back.