ENG vs IND: "It’s a pretty great day"- Ben Stokes reacts to Jofra Archer's return in test cricket

Jofra Archer has been named in England’s playing XI for the Lord’s test.

England skipper Ben Stokes has reacted to Jofra Archer’s return in test cricket. The right-arm pacer has been named in England‘s playing XI for the upcoming third test against India, which will commence on July 10 at the Lord’s, London.

England announced their playing XI for the Lord’s test on Wednesday, July 9. Archer has replaced pacer Josh Tongue in the playing XI, which is the only change in England’s playing XI. Tongue has been the most successful bowler in the series with 11 wickets across two matches.

Notably, Archer has returned to test cricket after more than four years. The 30-year-old last played a test match in February 2021 against India. He could not make his return to test cricket due to an elbow injury and a stress fracture of the lower back over the last four years. In 2022, Archer underwent two surgeries for his elbow injury.

Ben Stokes reacts to Jofra Archer’s return to test cricket

England skipper Stokes said that it’s pretty great to have Archer back in tests. He also said that the England pacer should be proud of himself for making a comeback after recovering from his injuries.

“It’s been exciting to have him back in the squad and now we can say he’s back in the playing XI, it’s a pretty great day. It’s been a long time coming for him and it’s great for English fans,” he was quoted as saying by The Independent.

“Jof can be pretty proud of himself that he’s managed to get himself back here after two pretty big injury scares. The way he’s handled the injury setbacks over that period has been very commendable,” he further added.

Stokes also feels that Archer will return with a brilliant form in the upcoming game, which he has held so far in tests. The 30-year-old has picked 42 wickets in 13 tests at an average of 31.05.

“I don’t think there’s any reason we can’t see Jofra Archer operating at a level that we saw here at Lord’s on his debut. It’s obvious whenever he does get the ball in his hand there is a change in the game. The opposition feel it as well because they know what he can do in a spell,” he said.

“If we did not think he was ready, or in a position to be selected, he would not be selected. We think he’s done enough to be able to get through a Test match,” he added.

Archer’s return will strengthen England’s pace attack in the series. Notably, their pacers have largely failed to dominate Indian batters across two games. India scored five centuries in the first test at Edgbaston. In the second test, Shubman Gill demolished England bowlers with a double century and a century.

Meanwhile, the five-match test series is currently tied 1-1 after two games. England won the opening encounter by five wickets. India made a comeback in the second test and won it by 336 runs.

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