Comeback man Archer won’t be restricted to short spells: Stokes

Four and a half years since his last appearance, Jofra Archer will make his Test comeback at Lord’s on Thursday (July 10, 2025). Replacing Josh Tongue, Archer will spearhead England’s bowling line-up against India as the home team 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.

Archer missed out on the Edgbaston Test last week as he was 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 has 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.