The culmination of that plan is a comeback at Lord’s, scene of Archer’s two most memorable moments in an England shirt, both in his debut year of 2019.
Archer bowled the super over in England’s heart-stopping World Cup final triumph over New Zealand and, weeks later, returned to the same ground to make his Test bow against Australia.
He made an instant impact with an electrifying spell, felling and concussing Aussie run-machine Steve Smith.
Stokes believes Archer can „definitely“ make the impact he did six years ago.
„When he has played for England in the short format, it’s obvious whenever he gets the ball in his hand, there’s a change in the game,“ added Stokes.
„The opposition feel it as well, because they know what he can do in a spell. I don’t think there’s any reason we can’t see Jofra Archer operating at the level we saw at Lord’s on his debut.“
Though there is a symmetry to Archer’s return, it is not without risk. He has played only one first-class match in the build-up to the third Test, in Sussex’s trip to Durham two weeks ago. He bowled 18 overs and claimed one wicket.
„If we did not think he was ready, or in a position to be selected, he would not be selected,“ said Stokes. „We think he’s done enough to be able to get through a Test match.
„Whenever you take the field, you are always putting yourself at risk. It’s a professional sport, it’s a very physical sport. We all know potentially stuff could go wrong, but we would not select someone if we didn’t think they could get through it.“
While Archer’s inclusion was expected, it is perhaps a surprise that England have not made further changes to their pace attack.
Woakes, 36, has taken only three wickets in the series, but has a superb record at Lord’s. In seven previous Tests on this ground he has taken 32 wickets at an average under 13.
Carse appeared to be struggling with a recurrence of the foot problem that ruled him out of the beginning of the year, though has been passed fit to play.
It means no place for either Sam Cook or Jamie Overton. Gus Atkinson is also in the squad as he continues his comeback from a hamstring injury.
India have not named their XI but are expected to welcome back fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah after he was rested for the second Test.