Archer makes hotly-anticipated return to England team for third test v India

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Englands Jofra Archer has been named in the team to face India in the third test of the series at Lords, Englands 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.

Really exciting, its great for English fans, but also for Jof. Its been a long time coming for him. I think the way in which hes handled the injury setbacks over that period has been very commendable, England skipper Ben Stokes told reporters.

And then the way in which hes got himself back onto the field and playing cricket over a long period of time now. It was exciting to have him back in the squad and in contention for last week, but now we can say hes in the playing 11.

Jofs going to be pretty proud of himself that hes managed to get himself back here after two