Archer Returns to Test Cricket After Four-Year Hiatus

LONDON: England’s pace bowler Jofra Archer is poised to make his comeback to Test cricket, having been selected for England’s playing XI in the third Test match against India. The match is scheduled to commence on Thursday at Lord’s.

This upcoming game signifies Archer’s first appearance in this format in over four and a half years.

Archer’s previous Test appearance was in February 2021. Since then, elbow and back injuries have confined him to limited-overs cricket.

His return to first-class cricket last month saw him bowl 18 overs for Sussex, paving the way for his Test squad inclusion.

The 29-year-old’s return to Lord’s is notable, reminiscent of his debut at the same ground in 2019, after England sought ways to challenge Australia’s Steve Smith.

During that debut, Archer gained recognition for challenging Smith with his speed, including a notable bouncer that hit the batter’s helmet. Now, his focus is on curtailing Shubman Gill’s impressive form, who recently scored 430 runs in Birmingham.

Archer is replacing Josh Tongue in the XI, marking the only alteration to the team that experienced a 336-run loss in the second Test.

Despite leading the series with 11 wickets, Tongue’s economy rate was high, conceding 4.56 runs per over, which placed a significant workload on him.

Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes will remain in the lineup despite having bowled 77 and 81 overs respectively in the initial two matches.

Carse, who seemed to have a toe injury at Edgbaston and didn’t bowl following the 27th over during India’s second innings, has retained his position. Captain Ben Stokes clarified that the issue was related to his footwear, not a physical injury.

Gus Atkinson was ruled out of selection because he is still in recovery from a hamstring injury he sustained against Zimbabwe in May. He may return for Surrey in the T20 Blast and aims to be available for the fourth Test in Manchester, which starts on July 23.

England has been carefully managing Archer’s workload. A thumb injury during the IPL prevented him from participating in the series opener. He was also rested for the second Test to allow him more practice time with the squad.

The coaching staff closely monitored him as he bowled extensively on practice pitches during the Edgbaston Test. Head Coach Brendon McCullum then confirmed he was ready.

Archer has secured 42 wickets in 13 previous Tests with an average of 31.04, which includes 20 wickets at 20.27 during the 2019 Ashes. However, concerns arose regarding his workload management under Joe Root’s captaincy, specifically when he bowled 42 overs in one innings on a favorable batting surface at Mount Maunganui.

While England hopes for a lively pitch at Lord’s, recent trends indicate the pitch might slow down and favor batting as the match progresses.

Mark Wood also practiced with the squad at Lord’s on Wednesday, with plans to return from a knee injury. Although his participation in the series is uncertain, England is optimistic about having him partner with Archer for the upcoming Ashes in Australia later this year.

England XI for third Test vs India:

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir.