Archer, Stokes and Bumrah define Old Trafford Test stakes

With series finely poised, workload management will shape the outcome

- BY A.K.S. SATISH Sports Editor

Jofra Archer thundered back into Test cricket like he never left. Ben Stokes pushed his body beyond breaking point. Jasprit Bumrah waits, carefully managed, in the wings. The battle between England and India now enters its most crucial phase and it's being fought as much with ice packs and scans as with bat and ball.

England's dramatic 22-run win at Lord's to go 2-1 up in the five-Test series has flipped the momentum, thanks largely to the return of Archer and the all-in commitment of captain Stokes. The pair delivered not just wickets and moments but adrenalin and belief.