Archer selected for third Test

Jofra Archer will make his first Test appearance for England since 2021 after being named in the squad to face India at Lord’s.

The Barbadian replaces Josh Tongue in the only change to England’s side for the third Test against India, with the series finely poised at 1-1.

India recorded a commanding 336-run victory over England in the second Test at Edgbaston last week, with Shubman Gill leading the tourists with 430 runs across his two innings.

Archer will earn his 14th Test cap, and his first since facing India in February 2021, having been unable to play the sport’s longest format due to a string of serious injuries.

The 30-year-old has taken 42 wickets in his previous 13 Tests, and he will make his first appearance at Lord’s since his debut in 2019.

England will be looking to avoid consecutive defeats in Tests in England for the first time since July 2023, though they have won three of their last four at Lord’s (L1), including each of their last two.

India are also expected to make a change to their bowlers by welcoming back Jasprit Bumrah after he was rested last time out.

England XI for third Test against India: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir.
(Sportsmax)