JOFRA MAY NOT LAST THE PACE

Hussain fears Archer's return is a big gamble

- By Mike Walters

NASSER HUSSAIN has warned Jofra Archer’s England comeback is a gamble - and they will be crossing their fingers he is not cramping up by teatime.

Archer is primed to make his first Test appearance in more than four years at Lord’s tomorrow after a catalogue of injury setbacks.

England need their 95mph warhead to fire on all cylinders after the 336-run rout by India at Edgbaston in the second Test left the series level at 1-1 and with the momentum shifting suddenly in the tourists’ favour.

With Archer and fit-again Gus Atkinson, who took 12 wickets at Lord’s on his debut 13 months ago, back in the picture, the cult of Bazball is facing its biggest challenge since England went 2-0 down in the Ashes two years ago.