IND vs ENG 3rd Test: James Anderson on Jofra Archer’s Lord’s Selection – ‘You’ve Got to Take the Chance’

James Anderson’s push for Jofra Archer’s return in the third Test against India at Lord’s, starting July 10, has sparked excitement. With the series tied at 1-1 after England’s crushing 336-run loss at Edgbaston, Anderson insists the time is now for Archer, absent from Test cricket for over four years but fresh from first-class action with Sussex. “It’s too crucial a game not to [play him],” Anderson told the ICC, urging England to seize the moment despite Archer’s limited recent Test bowling.

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Head coach Brendon McCullum, while not confirming Archer’s spot, praised his readiness: “Jofra’s looking fit, strong, and ready to go.” McCullum hinted at Archer potentially exceeding his past Test form, fueling optimism. England’s squad also sees Gus Atkinson, recovering from a hamstring injury, and batter Jacob Bethell as possible inclusions, though Bethell’s role remains batting-focused, not replacing spinner Shoaib Bashir.

England Squad: 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.

Will Archer’s return tip the scales at Lord’s? Fans await the final call.