As the thrilling IND vs ENG Test series stands level at 1-1, the upcoming third Test match at Lord’s has become a pivotal moment for both teams. England, after a crushing 336-run defeat in the second Test, is facing mounting pressure over team selection. Among the growing voices for change, legendary pacer James Anderson has now publicly pushed for Jofra Archer’s return to the playing XI.
James Anderson Urges England to Play Archer in Lord’s Test
Speaking ahead of the INDvsENG 3rd Test, James Anderson stressed the importance of playing Archer now rather than delaying his inclusion.
“You could wait to build his overs up, but by then it might be too late. This is too crucial a game not to play him,” said Anderson.
Archer, who last played a Test match in February 2021 against India, recently returned to red-ball cricket for Sussex and was included in the England squad for the Lord’s Test. With bowlers like Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue struggling with injuries, Archer’s pace and experience could be critical in this must-win encounter.
Brendon McCullum: “Jofra is Buzzing, Fit, and Ready”
England’s head coach Brendon McCullum also hinted at Archer’s return, stating that the speedster is in great shape and part of the final selection conversation.
“Jofra is looking fit, strong, and ready to go. He’s buzzing. We know what he’s capable of and hope he can come in and deliver a match-winning performance,” McCullum told reporters.
Archer took 1/32 in 18 overs and scored 31 off 34 balls in his comeback match for Sussex, demonstrating both rhythm and fitness.
England’s Bowling Dilemma: Time for Archer and Atkinson?
The England bowling attack was exposed during the second ENG vs IND Test at Edgbaston, where they bowled 234 overs across two innings and conceded massive runs, including a double century from Shubman Gill. With injuries to Carse and Tongue, England have also added Gus Atkinson to the squad, who could partner Archer at Lord’s.
Head coach McCullum confirmed that the team management would make a final decision closer to the match day, after assessing the conditions and players’ readiness.
Ben Stokes on Archer’s Role in IND vs ENG Test
Captain Ben Stokes echoed similar sentiments during a post-match press conference:
“We’re considering everyone for the Lord’s Test. Jofra’s been with the team, building up his workloads, and we’ll take a call after final assessments,” Stokes said.
England Squad for 3rd Test vs India
Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes
Archer’s Red-Ball Record vs India
In two previous IND vs England Tests, Jofra Archer has taken 4 wickets at an average of 30.50. With the series finely balanced and England needing to bounce back at Lord’s, his inclusion could provide the edge they desperately need.
Key Match Details
| Fixture | IND vs ENG 3rd Test – Lord’s 2025 |
|---|---|
| Series Score | Level at 1-1 |
| Venue | Lord’s Cricket Ground, London |
| Date | Starts July 10, 2025 |
| Broadcast | Live on Star Sports, streaming on JioCinema & Hotstar |
| Keywords in focus | ind, ind vs eng, indvseng test, indvseng live, ind vs england |
Final Thoughts: IND vs ENG Live Score, Team News & Archer’s Impact
With the spotlight on IND vs ENG live score updates and match-day excitement building, all eyes will be on England’s final XI and whether Jofra Archer makes his much-anticipated Test return. His presence could change the dynamics of the match and offer a serious challenge to India’s batting lineup.
Stay tuned for INDvsENG live score, team sheets, and ENG vs IND Test highlights as the drama unfolds at Lord’s.
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