ENG vs IND | Archer returns to England's XI for first Test since 2021 as Atkinson and Tongue miss out

England have made just one change in the lineup that endured a record a 336-run defeat against India at Edgbaston with Josh Tongue making way for fellow quick Jofra Archer. Both Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse have retained their spots despite playing both Tests so far and the former visibly uncomfortable during his final spell against India in Birmingham. The hosts have decided for some leeway before including Gus Atkinson in the mix, even though the pacer was added to the squad for the first time since sustaining a hamstring strain against Zimbabwe in May.

Archer made his debut in the 2019 Ashes where he took 20 scalps at an average of 20.27, but his overall numbers read a less impressive 42 wickets from 13 Tests at 31.04. The 30-year-old last played a Test in 2021 in Ahmedabad against India, where he had bowled just five overs on a dust bowl thoroughly dominated by spinners. A slew of injuries since has kept the express quick away from the hardships of red-ball cricket with the England Cricket Board focused on making the most of him in the limited formats but with both James Anderson and Stuart Broad retired, the hosts have returned to their prize prospect. Archer recently played his first first-class game in the four-year time frame, for Sussex in the County Championship, and sailed through 16 overs without much ado. 

The hosts have also decided to stick with Ollie Pope at three for the time being after the deputy skipper struck a crucial ton in the series opener at Headingley, despite Jacob Bethell waiting in the wings. The youngster had made a name for himself with three half-centuries on the tour of New Zealand in December where Pope had to operate as a middle-order wicket-keeper batter in Jamie Smith's absence, but Pope's 171 against the Chevrons when Bethell was with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL meant the veteran was reinstated as the incumbent number three.

With just three days of turnaround between the two Tests, India will be holding momentum having levelled the series with their first ever victory at Edgbaston and will be further boosted by the return of Jasprit Bumrah for the marquee fixture. However, with both surfaces playing flat so far, Lord's is expected to pose more of a challebge for the batters which could make Archer's return a timely one.

England's XI for Lord's Test vs India: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoab Bashir