Jofra Archer will don the England whites once again as the fast bowler has been named in the playing XI for the third Test of the ENG vs IND 2025 Test series, starting July 10 at Lord’s in London.

The 30-year-old Jofra Archer’s inclusion marks his first appearance in cricket's longest format since February 2021, when he featured against India in Ahmedabad. A long injury layoff followed, forcing him out of red-ball cricket for 1596 days.

Archer’s return comes as the only change to the England team that suffered a 336-run defeat in the second Test at Edgbaston. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the final XI on Wednesday.

Initially in contention for the first Test at Headingley, Archer was ruled out with a thumb injury. He was also named in the squad for the second Test but did not make the playing XI.

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Archer has played 13 Tests for England, picking up 42 wickets at an average of 31.04, including two six-wicket hauls during a breakout 2019 Ashes series.

His raw pace and bounce make him one of England’s most dangerous weapons, particularly at Lord’s, where he picked up five wickets across both innings in his debut match in 2019.

The right-arm quick recently made his red-ball return with Sussex in the County Championship, playing against Durham. He returned figures of 1/32 from 18 overs in the first innings - his only first-class match in four years.

Archer, who represents Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, featured in 12 matches during the 2025 season and picked up 11 wickets. He consistently bowled with high pace, clocking a top speed of 152.3 kmph against the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.

The fourth and fifth Tests of the series are scheduled at Old Trafford (July 23–27) and The Oval (July 31–August 4), respectively.

England playing XI for third 2025 Test vs India

England cricket team: ⁠⁠Zak Crawley, ⁠Ben Duckett, ⁠Ollie Pope, ⁠Joe Root, ⁠Harry Brook, ⁠Ben Stokes (C), ⁠Jamie Smith (WK), ⁠Chris Woakes, ⁠Brydon Carse, ⁠Jofra Archer, ⁠Shoaib Bashir