England Announce Playing XI for Lord’s Test Against India, Jofra Archer Returns

England have officially announced their playing XI for the third Test against India at Lord’s, with fast bowler Jofra Archer making a much-awaited return to the Test side. Archer replaces Josh Tongue in the only change from the team that played the second Test at Edgbaston. The five-match series stands evenly poised at 1-1 after India registered a commanding 336-run victory in the previous encounter.

Archer, 30, last played a Test in February 2021 and has since undergone a long rehabilitation for recurring injuries. His comeback follows a recent red-ball outing for Sussex in first-class cricket, which paved the way for his inclusion in the national squad. His raw pace and proven record are expected to strengthen an English bowling attack that has at times struggled for breakthroughs during the series.

The third Test will be held at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground, starting Thursday. England’s selectors have largely stuck with a stable unit, retaining the core batting lineup and spin option. Captain Ben Stokes will continue to lead the side, supported by senior players such as Joe Root and Chris Woakes. Wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith retains his place after an impressive knock in the second Test, while Shoaib Bashir also continues as England’s frontline spinner.

The confirmed England XI for the third Test features Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, and Shoaib Bashir.

England’s defeat in the second Test at Edgbaston was comprehensive. Opting to bowl first, they dismissed KL Rahul early, but an 80-run partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal (87) and Karun Nair (31) helped India find their footing. Captain Shubman Gill then dominated proceedings with a sensational 269, combining with Ravindra Jadeja (89) for a 203-run stand and Washington Sundar (42) for a 144-run partnership. India piled up 587 in their first innings. Shoaib Bashir picked up 3/167, while Woakes and Tongue chipped in with two wickets each.

In response, England faltered early at 84/5 before Harry Brook (158) and Jamie Smith (184 not out) rescued the innings with a massive 303-run partnership. However, the late burst from Mohammed Siraj (6/70) and Akash Deep (4/88) triggered a collapse as England folded for 407, giving India a 180-run lead.

India’s second innings was aggressive from the start, with Jaiswal and Rahul adding a brisk half-century stand. Rahul contributed 55, while Pant made 65 off just 58 balls. Gill added another 161, and Jadeja remained unbeaten on 69 as India declared at 427/6, setting England a daunting target of 608 runs.

England’s chase never took off, with early wickets leaving them 50/3. Jamie Smith once again showed resistance with a fluent 88, but the rest of the batting crumbled under pressure. Akash Deep’s fiery spell of 6/99 sealed the win for India, handing him a match haul of 10 wickets and securing a 336-run victory for the visitors.

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England Squad: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jamie Smith(w), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue, Sam James Cook, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell.