James Anderson Champions Jofra Archer’s Return in Crucial Test Against India
England legend James Anderson has publicly endorsed the return of Jofra Archer, urging the selectors to bring the fast bowler back into action for the pivotal third Test against India at Lord’s. Archer, 29, has not played a Test match since February 2021 due to a series of injuries, including stress fractures and elbow problems. However, he recently made a comeback in first-class cricket with Sussex and was part of the England squad for the second Test at Edgbaston. Despite a heavy 336-run defeat that allowed India to level the series 1-1, Anderson believes now is the right time to reintroduce Archer.
“You could keep trying to build his overs up and play him later in the series, but it could be too late by then,” Anderson said. “I think he will play. He’s played one game for Sussex, he was around the team at Edgbaston and bowled a bit. I just feel like you’ve got to play him. It’s too crucial a game not to.”
Coach Expresses Confidence in Archer’s Readiness
England head coach Brendon McCullum has not officially confirmed Archer’s selection, but he has praised the pacer’s physical and mental readiness. After years of setbacks, Archer appears finally ready to step back into the Test arena.
“Jofra is looking fit, he’s looking strong, he’s looking ready to go, and he’ll come into calculations,” McCullum said. “It’s hugely exciting. He’s buzzing as well. He’s obviously been through his injuries and his time out of Test cricket. We all know what he’s capable of achieving in Test cricket and we hope that when the opportunity does arrive for him, he’s able to recapture and also improve on what he’s been able to do already in that form of the game.”
Broader Selection Debate
Archer’s potential return is part of a broader selection debate ahead of the third Test, which begins Thursday at Lord’s. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson is back in contention after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the one-off Test against Zimbabwe in May. Batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell is also under consideration, although head coach Brendon McCullum confirmed the 22-year-old would not be replacing primary spinner Shoaib Bashir.
“He’s a batting option,” McCullum said of Bethell. “He’s the next one in if something happens. He wants to keep improving his bowling so that he can obviously impact the game across both the bat and ball. It’s not something we’d look at from a tactical point of view to do.”
England Squad for Third Test vs India at Lord’s
The England squad for the third Test features a mix of youth and experience, but all eyes will be on whether the selectors take Anderson’s advice and unleash Jofra Archer at the “Home of Cricket” in a potentially pivotal match in the series.
England squad for third Test vs India at Lord’s:
Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.
Key Considerations for the Match
With the series now at 1-1, the third Test at Lord’s is seen as a critical turning point. The pitch conditions, team strategies, and player performances will all play a role in determining the outcome. The inclusion of Archer could provide a much-needed boost to England’s bowling attack, particularly given his ability to generate pace and movement.
As the match approaches, fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting the final selection decisions. Whether or not Archer is included, the game promises to be an intense and closely contested affair. The pressure is on the English team to secure a win and take control of the series, with every decision carrying significant weight.
