Jofra Archer returns as England make one change for third Test against India

    Jofra Archer will play his first Test match in more than four years after being named in England's starting XI to face India at Lord's from Thursday.

    Jofra Archer in training Jofra Archer in training

    Archer, who bowled 18 overs for Sussex on his domestic red-ball return last month, was the only change for the home side for the crucial third Test in the five-match series that currently sits at 1-1.

    The 30-year-old Archer replaces Josh Tongue in the line-up with the latter having endured a heavy workload in the two Tests so far, despite being the leading wicket-taker in the series with 11.

    Fellow seamers Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes both retain their spots despite bowling 77 and 81 overs respectively in the first two Tests.

    Archer took 42 wickets at 31.04 in the 13 Tests he played between 2019 and 2021.

    "It's really exciting," said England captain Ben Stokes. "It's great for English fans, but also for Jof. It's been a long time coming for him.

    "The way in which he has handled the injury setbacks over that period has been very commendable. It's a pretty great day and I think Jof is going to be pretty proud of himself that he's managed to get himself back here."

    Another seamer, Gus Atkinson, who was added to the England squad this week, was deemed not yet ready to return from the hamstring strain he sustained against Zimbabwe in May.