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England head coach Brendon McCullum has confirmed that ace pacer Jofra Archer is ready to play in the ‘blockbuster’ third Test against India, set to commence on 10 July at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
The Anderson-Tendulkar series between India and England is leveled at 1-1, with the visitors equalling the scoreline after thrashing the home side by 336 runs at Edgbaston.
The Three Lions will gain a significant boost as Jofra Archer returns to play in his first Test match since the 2021 tour of India.
Jofra Archer faced a string of injuries, resulting in him playing only seven limited-overs internationals between March 2021 and May 2024.
Speaking ahead of the match, Brendon McCullum shed light on the inclusion of Jofra Archer for the third Test.
“He’ll certainly be available for selection. Jofra is looking fit, he’s looking strong, he’s looking ready to go, and he’ll come into calculations,” said McCullum.
“It’s hugely exciting. He’s buzzing as well. He’s obviously been through his injuries and his time out of Test cricket, but we all know what he’s capable of achieving and we hope that when the opportunity does arrive for him, he’s able to recapture and improve on what he’s been able to do already,” he added.
The pitch at Edgbaston was flat, with a total of 1692 runs scored across five days, marking the highest aggregate between England and India.
“Something with a bit more pace, a bit more bounce, and maybe a little bit of sideways (movement), hopefully,” England’s head coach stated when asked about the surface for the Lord’s Test.
He stated that the upcoming match will be mouth-watering, hinting that the pitch will offer a lot to the bowlers.
“It’ll be a blockbuster either way, but I think it’s going to set up for a cracker, especially if there’s plenty of life in it,” McCullum said.
