Jofra Archer returns after four years out as England name XI for third Test against India at Lord's
By Jonny Bray
Published 09/07/2025 at 22:58 GMT+1
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Jofra Archer will return to international Test cricket after four years out. He has been named in England's starting side for their third Test with India at Lord's on Thursday. The series is currently tied at 1-1, with England winning the opener by five wickets and India taking the second by 336 runs. Archer's inclusion is the only change to the squad despite defeat in the second Test.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 09: Jofra Archer of England looks on as he bowls during a net session at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 09, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
Jofra Archer is set to play his first international Test in four years after being named in England's XI for their clash with India at Lord's on Thursday.
Archer has not represented England in a Test match since they faced India in February 2021.
Ben Stokes' side are currently tied 1-1 with India ahead of the third instalment of their five-Test series.
Archer's inclusion is the only change to the side, with Josh Tongue being left out in his place.
Tongue may feel hard done by, after Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse both struggled to impress during the second Test.
Archer has battled back to fitness after suffering from a series of elbow injuries.
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The fast bowler still has an excellent record for his national team, having taken 42 wickets in his last 13 Tests.
However, Archer's return is not the only good news for England.
Mark Wood has returned to training at Lords having previously been expected to miss the entire series against India due to a knee injury.
The Durham star could now be back in time for the final Test of the series.
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England won the opening Test of the series by five wickets after a stunning display from Ben Duckett.
However, India levelled the series in the second, beating their rivals by 336 runs.
England's XI to face India: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir.
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