Stokes backs Archer to find magic of 2019 after recall

Jofra Archer will play in his first Test in more than four years after being named as the only change in the England team to face India in the third Test that starts today at Lord's.

- Simon Burnton

Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse are both retained after the defeat by India at Edgbaston that squared the series 1-1, with Josh Tongue making way for Archer.

Archer, 30, has endured stress fractures in his elbow and lower back and had multiple surgeries since he last featured in a Test in February 2021.

"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," the England captain, Ben Stokes, said. "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. It's been a long time coming for him and it's great for English fans."

Archer's appearance comes after just a solitary first-class match for Sussex against Durham, during which he took one wicket in 18 overs. But he was at the second Test at Edgbaston last week after being named in the initial squad and Stokes believes he is ready.