support@headlinenews360.com
Jofra Archer will make his Test comeback at Lord’s on Thursday after four and a half years. Replacing Josh Tongue, Archer will spearhead England’s bowling line-up against India as the host hopes to bounce back following an embarrassing defeat in the second Test in Birmingham.
While captain Ben Stokes is excited about Archer’s return, he made it clear that the pacer won’t be restricted to just short spells. “That’ll be a call made in the moment, as it is with anyone. If someone’s looking dangerous, you might give them an extra over or two. But there are no set plans or restrictions — certainly not limiting him to four- or five-over spells. We’ll see how it plays out on the day,” Stokes said on the eve of the third Test.
READ: England Playing XI for Lord’s Test announced: Archer replaces Tongue
Archer was included in the squad for the Edgbaston Test but eventually didn’t make the playing eleven as he was still working his way back to full fitness. However, Stokes was happy with the way Archer managed his fitness. “It is really exciting. I think it’s great for English fans, but also for Jofra. It’s been a long time coming for him. I think the way in which he’s handled the injury setbacks over that period, it’s been very commendable. And then the way in which he’s got himself back onto the field and playing cricket over a long period of time now,” said Stokes.
Archer has had memorable moments at Lord’s as it is here that he delivered the World Cup-winning super over in 2019 and returned later that summer to produce an electrifying Test debut against Australia.
Though he has featured in white-ball cricket for England in the recent past and was also part of Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, he would be hoping for a memorable return to Test cricket.
