Brendon McCullum confirms star pacer likely to play Lords Test match against India
Jofra Archer is likely to play in the third Test at Lord’s after four years away. Coach Brendon McCullum says he’s fit, strong, and ready to help the team.
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Jofra Archer is expected to make his long-awaited comeback for England in the third Test against India this week at Lord’s. England’s head coach, Brendon McCullum, has asked for a pitch with good pace, bounce and movement to help the fast bowlers. Archer, who is 30 now, was with the team at Edgbaston last week but didn’t play in England’s heavy 336-run loss to India. With the series tied at 1-1, McCullum hinted that they will freshen up the bowling attack, making room for Archer to return.
Jofra Archer set for Test return at Lord’s
“He will definitely be available for selection,” McCullum said. “Our fast bowlers have played two Tests in a row with little rest before we head to Lord’s. We’ll see how things settle, but Jofra is looking fit, strong and ready to play.” Lord’s is a special place for Archer. It’s where he made his memorable Test debut in the 2019 Ashes, taking five wickets and delivering that famous bouncer that forced Australia’s Steve Smith to retire with concussion.
But Archer has been out of Test cricket for four years because of elbow and back injuries. Since his last Test in 2021, he has mostly played limited-overs cricket and only managed one first-class match for Sussex this season. “We all know what he can do in Tests,” McCullum said. “We hope that when he gets his chance, he can find that form again and maybe do even better.”
BRENDON MCCULLUM CONFIRMS JOFRA ARCHER IS BACK IN CALCULATION FOR THE LORD'S TEST. pic.twitter.com/0sblL41Flg
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 7, 2025
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England will also have to decide which bowler to rest if Archer comes in. Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue have all bowled two tough Tests and looked tired in the last match, where India’s Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj bowled much better. India have also confirmed that their star bowler Jasprit Bumrah will definitely return for the Lord’s Test, making it even tougher for England.
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