England will be hoping for an extra edge in their attack as Jofra Archer makes his long-awaited return to Test cricket in the third match against India on what promises to be a lively surface at Lord’s. With the five-match series finely poised at 1-1, the hosts are eager to inject fresh energy into their bowling ranks, banking on Archer’s pace and hostility to tilt the contest in their favour.

The 29-year-old speedster, who last played a Test in February 2021 against India in Ahmedabad, replaces Josh Tongue in England’s XI. His selection was confirmed by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Wednesday.

"England Men have made one change to their XI for the Rothesay Third Test against India at Lord's, starting on Thursday. Sussex fast bowler Jofra Archer replaces Nottinghamshire's Josh Tongue. It will be Archer's first Test appearance since February 2021, also against India, in Ahmedabad," the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement on Wednesday.