Archer's return is 'great for English fans', says Stokes

BEN Stokes declared Jofra Archer's long-awaited Test comeback as a “pretty great day" for English cricket and backed the paceman to rediscover his 2019 magic.

- Rory DOLLARD Press Association

Archer has replaced Josh Tongue in England's only change for the third Rothesay Test at Lord's, starting today, finally ending a four-and-a-half-year absence that has seen him wrestle with a host of significant injury setbacks.

The 30-year-old has suffered stress fractures in his elbow and lower back and undergone multiple surgeries since he last donned his England whites in February 2021 and there were genuine fears he would never return.

But fans, teammates and selectors have never given up on seeing him with a red ball in hand and his return at the home of cricket will bring back memories of his breakthrough displays at the famous old ground six years ago.