Jofra Archer is set to make his long-awaited return to Test cricket as England confirmed their playing XI for the third Test against India at Lord’s, starting 10 July.
The 29-year-old fast bowler replaces Josh Tongue in the only change to the side that played in the second Test at Trent Bridge, as the hosts look to edge ahead in the five-match series currently level at 1-1.
Archer’s appearance at the Home of Cricket will mark his first red-ball outing for England in four and a half years. His last Test came in February 2021 against India in Ahmedabad, before a series of injuries and surgeries kept him sidelined.
England have opted to stick with the same batting unit, led by captain Ben Stokes and including Joe Root and Ollie Pope. Jamie Smith retains the gloves, while the pace attack will feature Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse and the returning Archer. Shoaib Bashir continues as the specialist spinner.
England playing XI for the third Test:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir.