Jofra Archer’s Triumphant Test Comeback After Four Years
After four long and painful years away from the Test cricket arena, Jofra Archer is officially back — and not just back anywhere, but returning at the hallowed Lord’s Cricket Ground. The 30-year-old speedster has been named in the England XI for the third Test against India, marking his first appearance in red-ball cricket since February 2021. For fans of English cricket and for Archer himself, this isn’t just a return — it’s a resurrection.
A lot has changed in those 1,595 days since Archer last pulled on a Test shirt. England have played 53 matches without him. There were moments during that period when it looked like his international career might never recover, plagued as it was by persistent elbow and back injuries. But against all odds, and with a detailed rehab programme and unwavering faith from the ECB, Archer has clawed his way back — and now, he’s ready to let the ball do the talking.
Ben Stokes, England’s captain, couldn’t hide his excitement. “It’s really exciting… for English fans, but also for Jof. He’s had a long, tough journey. The way he’s handled those setbacks is incredibly commendable,” Stokes said, adding that Archer should be “pretty proud” of what he’s achieved just by making it back to this point.
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England's decision to bring him in for the pivotal third Test — with the series tied 1-1 — is bold, especially given he’s only had a single first-class appearance recently, taking one wicket in 18 overs. But the selectors clearly believe his natural talent and mental fortitude outweigh the rust. And when it comes to raw pace, Archer is still one of the few bowlers in world cricket who can genuinely change a game in a single spell.
And what a setting for his comeback — Lord’s, the scene of some of Archer’s most iconic moments. Who can forget the Super Over in the 2019 World Cup final? Or the way he dismantled Steve Smith with sheer pace in that year’s Ashes? Now, we get to see whether Archer 2.0 — post-injury, wiser, more seasoned — can still operate at that electrifying level.
England have made only one change for this match, with Archer coming in for Josh Tongue. Woakes and Carse, despite looking tired in the second Test, retain their places. It’s a gamble, perhaps, especially as Woakes has only three wickets so far in the series. But at Lord’s, where he averages under 13 with the ball, his inclusion makes sense. Carse, too, seems to have shaken off the foot niggle that had threatened to sideline him.
Meanwhile, Mark Wood — another express pacer with injury woes of his own — is training and targeting the final Test at The Oval. The thought of Wood and Archer bowling in tandem again is a tantalising one for fans, especially since it’s only happened once before in Test cricket.
India, for their part, are expected to welcome back Jasprit Bumrah, rested for the second match. His battle with Archer will be one to watch — two of the fastest and fiercest bowlers in the world, finally back on the big stage.
This match isn't just about the scoreboard or the series lead. It's about a man proving to himself — and the cricketing world — that he still belongs. Jofra Archer’s comeback is more than just a selection. It’s a story of grit, of healing, and of unfinished business. Welcome back, Jofra.
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