After their 336-run thrashing at Edgbaston on July 7, England are under pressure as they head into the third Test at Lord’s. The five-match series is level at 1-1 and fans are wondering if Jofra Archer will be back in the team.
England captain Ben Stokes said there will be changes for the next game. After the big defeat, Stokes spoke to the media about Archer’s possible return. Archer wasn’t in the team for the first Test at Headingley but was with the squad for the second Test to work on his fitness.
“We’ll decide after we see how everyone is. He was here this week to be with the group and increase his workload. Everyone is in consideration for Lord’s,” Stokes said at the press conference.
Jofra Archer, 30, hasn’t played a Test since 2021 due to injuries. In 13 Tests since his debut in 2019, he has taken 42 wickets including three five-fors. He’s quick and can change games. England’s struggling bowling attack could do with him.
England’s bowlers looked tired during India’s big show in the second Test. With only three days to go before the third Test, Stokes and the team might have to rotate players and bring in fresh faces.
Read Also:- Wiann Mulder registers highest test score as captain for South Africa
Besides Archer, Gus Atkinson has also been added to the squad as another pace option. The 27-year-old hasn’t played since a hamstring injury in a Test against Zimbabwe in May and might also return. His inclusion shows England are serious about supporting their bowling attack.
England started the series well by chasing 371 in the first Test to lead 1-0. A poor show in Birmingham and India levelled the series. Now it’s 1-1 and the third Test at Lord’s is the turning point in this series.
