![James Anderson and Jofra Archer [Source: @JohnyBravo183, @mufaddal_vohra/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1751960140612_eng_vs_ind.jpg?type=mq)
James Anderson and Jofra Archer [Source: @JohnyBravo183, @mufaddal_vohra/x]
Former England fast bowler James Anderson has urged the English team management to include injury-prone Jofra Archer in the playing XI of the upcoming third Test against Team India. It is worth noting that while Archer played the last of his 13 Tests over four years ago in Ahmedabad, he recently made his red-ball return through the ongoing 2025 County Championship.
Anderson believes that England should start “building” up Archer’s overs, and try to include him in the playing XI at Lord’s since it is “too crucial” of a game to miss out, especially after England’s crushing 336-run defeat to India at Edgbaston a couple of days ago.
Anderson Cites Jofra Archer’s Sussex Return
Former England cricketer and all-time great James Anderson wants captain Ben Stokes and the current English management to take a chance by including Jofra Archer in the playing XI of the third Test against India.
While speaking with the ICC, Anderson cited Archer’s recent red-ball return for Sussex, and said:
“You could keep trying to build his overs up and play him later in the series, but it could be too late by then. I think he will play. He’s played one game for Sussex, he was around the team at Edgbaston and bowled a bit. I just feel like you’ve got to play him. It’s too crucial a game not to.”
Jofra Archer sent down 18 overs for Sussex and managed to pick up a wicket against Durham at Chester-le-Street last month. The speedster also linked up with the England squad at Edgbaston but was excluded from the playing XI.
Interestingly enough, England coach Brendon McCullum has confirmed that Archer is “certainly available” for selection in the third Test. The match will be hosted by Lord’s between July 10 and July 14.
