Archer returns to England team for third test v India

England's Jofra Archer has been named in the team to face India in the third test of the series at Lord's, England's cricket board (ECB) announced on Wednesday, as the fast bowler prepares for his first test in more than four years.

Archer will replace fellow seamer Josh Tongue, the only change England have made, for the third test that starts on Thursday. Tongue picked up only four wickets and conceded more than 200 runs in the two innings.

Archer has not played in the longest format since England faced India in Ahmedabad in February 2021. The 30-year-old has taken 42 wickets in 13 tests and although he was added to the squad for the second test, he was not included in the team.

However, England coach Brendon McCullum said Archer was in the frame for the third test after putting his fitness woes behind him.

A series of physical problems kept delaying his return to red-ball cricket, including elbow injuries, back issues and a thumb injury.

Skipper Ben Stokes also said they would consider fresh legs with such a quick turnaround time between the second and third test, especially after England's bowlers bowled 234 overs in the second test that India won by 336 runs.

"It's been another tough week, we've spent some time on the field. The bowlers have been running hard all week yet again." Stokes said after the loss.

"We'll have to reassess on everything, see where everyone's at come Lord's."

The series is tied at 1-1 after England won the first test at Headingley before India won a test for the first time at Edgbaston on Sunday.

ENGLAND TEAM

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