English fast bowler Jofra Archer is all set to stage a comeback in Test cricket after a wait of four long years. The last time the pacer played in red-ball format was against India at Ahmedabad in February 2021.
In between, Archer suffered multiple injuries that kept him out of the national team in the longest format but the player has now fully recovered and will take the field against India once again in the third Test match of the ongoing series at Lord's starting Thursday, July 10.
The hosts made just one change in their lineup that suffered a humiliating 336-run loss at Edgbaston in the 2nd Test. Archer comes in the XI, replacing Josh Tongue.
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Ben Stokes on Jofra Archer's return to England lineup - 'Add a bit more buzz to Lord’s'
England captain Ben Stokes was elated to welcome Archer back into the team as he felt that the pacer's addition could provide an edge to the home team on a green top pitch.
Speaking to reporters at the pre-match press conference on the eve of the third Test, Stokes said: "Very exciting, yeah. Look, he’s worked incredibly hard to get to the position we find ourselves in where he’s able to walk back out there in the whites for England. Not only is it going to add a bit more buzz to Lord’s than it does for a week, but it’s just super exciting for Jofra.
"He’s worked so hard through his injuries and through his path back to playing for England within the white ball team, but super excited to have him back into the squad from last week."
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How has Jofra Archer performed in Test cricket?
Since making his debut in the longest format in 2019 against Australia, the 30-year-old has appeared in just 13 matches, where he picked up 42 wickets, while maintaining an average of 31.04. His best bowling figures are 6/41.