Jofra Archer Returns for 3rd Test at Lord’s – Bumrah Likely to Rejoin Indian Side

Jofra Archer return

Lord’s Cricket Ground in London will host the third test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, a much-anticipated event, which is scheduled to run from July 10 to 14. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has released the names of their playing XI for this fixture. And the big news is that Jofra Archer return for England after a prolonged injury break.

When English paceman Jofra Archer’s name is announced on the Lord’s team sheet, it would mark his swift and successful recovery, after being forced to pull out of the team; Even at utmost speed, Jofra was required to miss a leg of a major international tournament, to his bowler’s talent was already on display.

The time away from playing for Jofra was spent in rehabilitation. And class is never missed; the right-hand fast bowler has served as a vital figure of the team even in his difficult time. Before the elbow issue, Archer had played 13 test matches, grabbing 42 wickets with three times of five wickets in an innings. Remember, Jofra Archer’s first Test also happened at Lord’s, making the return equally significant.

Captain Ben Stokes expressed his excitement, saying:

“Exciting for the team and the fans, also for Joff (Jofra). He’s gonna be proud of himself that he made it back to the team. Whenever he has the ball in his hand, he presents something special.”

India’s Likely Change: Jasprit Bumrah to Replace Prasidh Krishna?

The series is currently tied at one win each after India secured a massive 336-run victory at Edgbaston. As we gear up for the third Test, attention is shifting to India’s bowling lineup. Senior bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who rested during the second Test to manage his workload, is expected to come back, likely replacing Prasidh Krishna.

Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar thinks this change is on the horizon. In a chat with Sports Tak, he pointed out,

“It has to be Prasidh because his length wasn’t quite right. With Akash Deep and Siraj bowling well, Bumrah’s return makes sense.”

Both Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj showed impressive skills in the last Test, which may complicate the captain Shubman Gill’s selection decisions.

England’s Playing XI for 3rd Test at Lord’s:

• Zak Crawley
• Ben Duckett
• Ollie Pope
• Joe Root
• Harry Brook
• Ben Stokes (C)
• Jamie Smith (WK)
• Chris Woakes
• Brydon Carse
• Jofra Archer
• Shoaib Bashir

The five-match Test series has been really exciting. England won the first Test, but India made a strong comeback with a memorable victory at Edgbaston, showing great skills all around. The upcoming match at Lord’s is shaping up to be crucial, especially with stars like Bumrah and Archer likely clashing.