Four and a half years since his final look, Jofra Archer will make his Test comeback at Lord’s on Thursday (July 10, 2025). Replacing Josh Tongue, Archer will spearhead England’s bowling line-up in opposition to India as the house crew hopes to bounce again following an embarrassing defeat within the second Test in Birmingham.
While captain Ben Stokes is worked up about Archer’s return, he made it clear that the pacer won’t be restricted to simply short spells. “That’ll be a call made in the moment, as it is with anyone. If someone’s looking dangerous, you might give them an extra over or two. But there are no set plans or restrictions — certainly not limiting him to four- or five-over spells. We’ll see how it plays out on the day,” Stokes stated on the eve of the third Test.
Archer missed out on the Edgbaston Test final week as he was working his method again to full health. However, Stokes was proud of the way in which Archer managed his health. “It is really exciting. I think it’s great for English fans, but also for Jofra. It’s been a long time coming for him. I think the way in which he’s handled the injury setbacks over that period has been very commendable. And then the way in which he’s got himself back onto the field and playing cricket over a long period of time now,” stated Stokes.
Archer has had memorable moments at Lord’s as it’s right here that he delivered the World Cup-winning tremendous over in 2019 and returned later that summer season to produce an electrifying Test debut in opposition to Australia.
