Ben Stokes has opened up to England about the return of Jofry Archer for the third test against India on the Lord Cricket playground. Archer was not part of the Opening Test team in Headingley, Leeds, but the hope that his return had increased after the hosts included him in the team for the second test in Edgbaston in Birmingham.
But Archer did not find a place in playing XI when England went with Josh of his tongue, Chris Woakes and Brydon Cars in the fast bowling department. After a 336 loss in Edgbaston, however, England could be forced to bring back Archer, who did not play the test in more than three years.
Also Read: India Win Historical Test Birmingham to end 63 years of waiting: Stat Pack
Stokes said that England had to take care of Archer and his work burden, given his battles with injuries in the last three years.
“It will be a decision to make when we see how everyone is connected. We had it this week to be around the group and build it with his work and everything. So everyone is considered for Lord’s play,” Stokes said at a press conference after the match.
Birmingham Test Highlights | Scorecard
In 13 tests since his debut in 2019, Archer took 42 goals, including three five bags.
While doubts about Arler’s return remain, another fast pitch, Jasprit Bumrah, will return to Lord. SHUBMAN GILL has confirmed that Bumrah will take the field in the third test.
When Stokes faced Bumrah at Lord, he said, “We play together so often that we know what to expect. You are trying to replicate what you will face during training, whether through side weapons or coaches imitate angles and release points.
England chased 371 in Leeds to take the lead 1-0, but the poor performance of the launch in Birmingham-Kde was set to 608-Vvětěl India level. Stokes and England will now try to bounce and regain the advantage.
– ends
Published:
Sabyasachi Chowdhury
Published on:
July 7, 2025
Tune
