Rohan Chowdhury, Lord’s
The Home of Cricket, Lord’s, is all set to host the third Test between England and India from Thursday, July 10. On the eve of the clash, England announced their playing squad: Josh Tongue made way for the returning Jofra Archer. The rest of the team remains unchanged.
Archer’s inclusion marks a significant moment in England’s summer. The 30-year-old fast bowler is making his Test comeback after a long injury layoff, having last played in the format four years ago. His selection is strategic: The Lord’s pitch Is expected to offer early movement, and Archer’s pace and bounce could prove crucial.
This ground holds special memories for Archer. It’s where he made his Test debut during the 2019 Ashes series. That match remains etched in memory not just for his speed — touching 95–96 mph (over 150 kph) — but also for the brutal bouncers that struck Steve Smith on the helmet and floored him. He also hit Marnus Labuschagne on the helmet, who came in as a concussion substitute.
Given England’s recent preference to bowl first after winning the toss, Archer might get a crack at India’s openers on a fresh pitch.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, England captain Ben Stokes backed the decision to bring Archer in: “If we did not think he was ready, or in a position to be selected, he would not be selected. We think he’s done enough to be able to get through a Test match.”
Archer recently turned out for Sussex in the County Championship, bowling 18 overs and picking up a wicket against Durham. It was a gentle return to red-ball cricket, but enough to indicate that he’s ready.
The real question now is how will the Indian openers deal with the returning express pacer?
Yashasvi Jaiswal, India’s in-form left-hander, has been working hard in the nets, particularly focusing on the angle Archer is likely to bowl from. India’s throwdown specialist Raghu gave him extended sessions simulating Archer’s outswing from the Pavilion End — a line that could tempt the outside edge, especially with the Lord’s slope aiding lateral movement. From the Nursery End, Archer’s angle would naturally bring the ball into the left-hander — but it’s that outward angle from the Pavilion End that Jaiswal trained for the hardest.
Jaiswal has been a standout performer so far — with scores of 101 at Headingley and 87 at Edgbaston. However, both came in the first innings. If India bat first once again, Thursday’s morning session could witness a mouthwatering duel between Archer and Jaiswal: Right-arm pace versus fearless left-hand flair.
Just to note, however, Archer batted at the nets and didn’t bowl. So, if he gets the chance to unleash the attack in the first session of Day 1 at Lord’s, the Indian openers might be in for a surprise package.
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