Jofra Archer is back in England's Test team after nearly four years. The pacer has been named in the playing XI for the third Test against India at Lord's, replacing Joshua Tongue.
With the five-match series level at 1-1, England are looking for fresh energy. Injuries have kept the 29-year-old out of Test cricket since 2021 but after bowling 18 overs in a recent first-class match for Sussex, he has been cleared for action.
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His inclusion adds pace and unpredictability to England's attack - something they have been missing as India's top order - led by the in-form Shubman Gill - has started to take control of the series.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan, speaking on Cricbuzz, called Archer's selection a risk worth taking - especially with the way Gill has batted in the last two games.
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Michael Vaughan backs Jofra Archer to trouble India's top order
Vaughan believes that England need something different to break through early and get on top of India's batting. Archer could offer just that.
"They're probably at that stage where they think it's worth a gamble. If it is a gamble, it's probably worth it. They've got to find a bowler or a combination that's going to get early wickets. And they've got to find a new method of trying to get Shubman out. Because at the minute, he looks rock solid," said Vaughan on Cricbuzz.
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Between 2019 and 2021, Archer played 13 Tests for England. He picked up 42 wickets at an average of 31.04.
A series of elbow and back injuries sidelined him for the next 18 months. His road back has been slow and while he remains under careful management, England have decided to bring him straight into the XI at a crucial moment.
With India's top order in ominous form and England's bowling needing a reset, Archer's inclusion is a clear signal of intent. Whether the move pays off at Lord's could shape the rest of the series.