Lord’s, London:
As the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy series stands locked at 1–1, England have announced their playing XI for the pivotal third Test starting Thursday at Lord’s. In a bold selection move, fast bowler Jofra Archer returns to the side after more than four years, replacing Josh Tongue. The rest of the lineup remains intact, reflecting both form and continuity.
The One Big Change:
Jofra Archer reinstated: Archer, 30, is back in England’s Test XI for the first time since February 2021, when he played in Ahmedabad coincidentally against India. Known for his pace and bounce, his recall is seen as a strategic response to England’s seam attack faltering at Edgbaston. England dropped Josh Tongue, who managed just four wickets and conceded over 200 runs in the first two Tests
Confirmed England XI:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, captain Ben Stokes, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir
This side aims to leverage Lord’s swing-friendly conditions with a reinforced pace unit featuring Archer alongside Carse and Woakes. Bashir retains his place as the lone spinner, a decision that hints at confidence in seam dominance early on.
🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨
England have announced their XI for the 3rd Test against India at @HomeOfCricket 🏴
JOFRA. IS. BACK. 😍#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/PmnlbflJiU
— England’s Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) July 9, 2025
Also Read: IND vs ENG: What Plans England Might Bring To Take Revenge At Lord’s?
Tactical Significance:
- Seam battery reload: Archer’s inclusion adds raw pace and bounce, perfectly suited to a grassy Lord’s pitch. He joins Carse and Woakes in a three-pronged seam assault.
- Experience meets freshness: At least seven players (Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, Brook, Stokes, Smith) form the batting spine, while Archer’s return injects electricity up front.
- Balance preserved: Retaining Bashir shows trust in his spin, although England has the option of another back-up seamer on the bench.
Series Context
England took a 1–0 lead with victory at Headingley, only to be humiliated by 336 runs in Edgbaston a dramatic shift in momentum. With the series level, this Lord’s Test becomes critical. Archer’s pace, harnessed correctly, could be the spark England need to regain control.
What to Watch
- New-ball impact: Archer’s threatening opening spells could unsettle India’s top order especially captain Shubman Gill early on.
- Batting resilience: Maintaining consistency with the willow remains key, especially in middle overs.
- Leadership under scrutiny: Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum will be under pressure to maximize the pitch conditions and toss advantage.
England’s third Test begins at Lord’s on Thursday, 10 July and with Archer’s return, this is no ordinary XI.
