Jofra Archer is all but confirmed to make his highly anticipated Test cricket return as a member of England’s playing XI during the third Test against India at Lord’s, beginning Thursday, July 10, 2025. This would be the pace sensation’s first appearance in the red ball since February 2021.
Jofra Archer Replaces Josh Tongue in England’s XI
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Archer’s return follows the sole alteration to the England team that played in the second Test at Edgbaston. Josh Tongue, who tops the wicket table in the series so far with 11 victims, gives way to the returning pace bowler.
The third Test at Lord’s is the first of three remaining games in the series, which is presently tied 1-1 after India’s victory at Edgbaston.
Return to Red-Ball Cricket Following Several Injury Setbacks
The 30-year-old bowler last played in a Test match during England’s 2021 series against India before a succession of serious injuries, including a back stress fracture, ruled him out for periods. Archer returned to red-ball cricket in the County Championship, representing Sussex against Durham, and has gradually worked his way back into the national team.
“It’s a long time coming,” England captain Ben Stokes added. “The way he’s coped with the injury setbacks has been admirable. It’s a proud moment for him and an exciting one for the team.”
Stokes Trusts Jofra Archer to Deliver the Implications
Talking before the third Test, Ben Stokes stressed Archer’s game-changing capacity and was confident about his readiness for the match.
“Whenever Jofra Archer has the ball in hand, there is always a change in the energy. The opposition can sense it too. I have no doubt he can perform a similar kind of intensity and brilliance we witnessed in the 2019 Ashes at Lord’s,” Stokes observed.
England captain added that although there will be a precaution over Archer’s bowling workload, decisions would be taken on the match situation at the moment and not by strict plans.
“If anyone’s threatening, we can give them an over or two more. There won’t be rigid restrictions, even for Jofra.”
England Rethink Pace Attack to Balance Workload
Following two back-to-back high-intensity Tests, England team management had telegraphed bowling rotation to balance workload. Consequently, Gus Atkinson was brought into the team, and now the return of Jofra Archer comes as a welcome injection of pace and danger.
“We’ve spent a lot of time on the field in the first two Tests. It felt like the right time to bring in fresh legs—and who better than Jofra?” said Stokes.
England XI for 3rd Test at Lord’s
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Zak Crawley
Ben Duckett
Ollie Pope
Joe Root
Harry Brook
Ben Stokes (C)
Jamie Smith (wk)
Jofra Archer
Shoaib Bashir
Brydon Carse
Chris Woakes
Upcoming Matches in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025
3rd Test: Lord’s, July 10-14
4th Test: Old Trafford, July 23-27
5th Test: The Oval, July 31-August 4
Jofra Archer’s Return Brings Firepower to England’s Bowling Attack
With the series precariously balanced and the stage being the world-famous Lord’s Cricket Ground, Jofra Archer’s comeback could not have been at a better juncture for England. The fans and pundits alike will be keen to see if the express pacer can recreate the magic of 2019 and make an impact once again in Test cricket.
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