London, July 9, 2025: Jofra Archer has been named in England’s playing XI for the third Test of the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy against India, marking his much-anticipated return to red-ball cricket after more than four years.
The fast bowler is set to take the field on Thursday at Lord’s, the same historic venue where he made his Test debut during the 2019 Ashes. Archer’s return follows a prolonged absence due to recurring elbow and back injuries that had confined him to white-ball formats since 2021.
Having recently featured in first-class cricket for Sussex, where he bowled 18 overs last month, Archer has been declared match-fit and will now lead England’s pace attack in the crucial third Test.
His inclusion comes as England seek to recover from a crushing 336-run defeat at Edgbaston, which left them trailing in the series. Archer replaces Josh Tongue—the only change to the XI—despite Tongue being England’s leading wicket-taker in the series with 11 scalps. However, his economy rate of 4.56 runs per over appears to have influenced the decision.
The selection of Archer draws parallels to his 2019 debut when he was brought in to counter Steve Smith’s dominance in the Ashes. This time, he’s been tasked with neutralizing India’s in-form captain Shubman Gill, who tormented England with knocks of 269 and 161 at Edgbaston.
Despite a heavy workload in the first two Tests, Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes have retained their places. Carse, who bowled 77 overs across the two matches and appeared to be struggling with a toe issue, was cleared by skipper Ben Stokes, who explained the discomfort was caused by ill-fitting shoes rather than injury.
Archer last played a Test in 2021 and has 13 caps, with 42 wickets at an average of 31.04. His most impressive Test spell came during the 2019 Ashes, where he claimed 20 wickets at 20.27, including a memorable duel with Steve Smith.
England Playing XI for 3rd Test vs India:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir.
