After England’s 336-run drubbing by India at Edgbaston, captain Ben Stokes addressed the media and hinted at the potential return of Jofra Archer for the third Test at Lord’s, though the final decision will hinge on players’ recovery and fitness.
“Again, it will be a decision that we have to make seeing how everyone pulls up. We’ve had him here this week to get around the group and build him up with his workloads and everything like that. So everyone’s in consideration for the game at Lord’s,” Stokes said at the post-match press conference.
Jofra Archer, who last played a Test in February 2021, recently returned to red-ball cricket, playing a County Championship game for Sussex against Durham. He bowled 18 disciplined overs for 1/32 and chipped in with 31 runs. The England camp is cautiously optimistic about his inclusion, with his pace and bounce seen as a possible game-changer at Lord’s.
India’s Dominance at Edgbaston
In what turned out to be a landmark win for India—their first-ever Test victory at Edgbaston—captain Shubman Gill and Akash Deep were the chief architects of a commanding all-round performance.
India chose to bat first, and after an early hiccup with KL Rahul (2) falling cheaply, a solid 80-run stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal (87) and Karun Nair (31) steadied the ship. Skipper Gill (269 off 387 balls) unleashed a masterclass, building crucial partnerships with Ravindra Jadeja (89) and Washington Sundar (42) to propel India to a massive 587-run total.
England’s reply was rocked early at 84/5, but a monumental 303-run partnership between Harry Brook (158) and Jamie Smith (184)* brought them back into the contest. However, Mohammed Siraj (6/70) and Akash Deep (4/88) sparked a collapse, skittling England out for 407.
India batted aggressively in the second innings, with Rishabh Pant (65) and Shubman Gill (161 off 162 balls) piling on the runs. Jadeja added an unbeaten *69 as India declared at 427/6, setting a mammoth target of 608.
Akash Deep’s Breakthrough Performance
In the fourth innings, England’s top order collapsed early. While Jamie Smith’s 88 provided a flicker of resistance, Akash Deep’s 6/99 sealed the deal, earning him match figures of 10/187—the best ever by an Indian in a Test match in England.
India bowled out England for 271, clinching the win by 336 runs and leveling the series 1-1.
Looking Ahead to Lord’s
As England regroup, Jofra Archer’s inclusion will depend on his recovery and training rhythm over the next few days. With India riding high and momentum on their side, the third Test at Lord’s promises to be pivotal in the five-match series.
Both sides may tweak combinations, and all eyes will be on Archer’s fitness updates and England’s strategy shift under pressure.