Jofra Archer will make his first Test appearance since 2021 after being selected in England’s side to face India at Lord’s on Thursday.
Archer replaces Josh Tongue in England’s bowling attack, with the series level at 1-1 following India’s emphatic win at Edgbaston.
England team for third Test: Ben Stokes (captain), Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes
Speaking before the announcement, Nasser Hussain assessed how Archer would cope for England after a four-year Test absence
Archer will earn his 14th Test cap and a first since playing against India in February 2021, since when he has been unable to play the sport’s longest format due to a series of injuries.
It will be the 30-year-old’s second Test appearance at Lord’s, with his only other long-form outing at the home of cricket coming in a 2019 Ashes clash, when he produced memorable spells of ferocious fast bowling.
India are also expected to enjoy a high-profile addition to their bowling line-up with Jasprit Bumrah set to return after being rested for the second Test.
More to follow…
Relive the enticing battle between Archer and Steve Smith from the 2019 second Ashes Test
Watch day one of the third Test between England and India, at Lord’s, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 10am Thursday (11am first ball) or stream without a contract.
England vs India – results and schedule
All games at 11am UK and Ireland; all on Sky Sports