After a gap of 52 months, the cricketing world welcomes Jofra Archer, who will make his much-anticipated return to Test cricket at Lord’s. However, India’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant isn’t buying into the hype. Speaking ahead of the third Test starting July 10, Pant dismissed the buzz surrounding the England pacer’s comeback and stated his focus on team performance.
“Personally, whenever I step on the field, I enjoy my cricket and try to give my 100 percent. It’s not particularly about any individual. Yes, it’s going to be a good contest, because he’s also coming after a long break. But yes, I’m happy he’s back,” Pant said at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
Rishabh Pant has been in scintillating form throughout the series. The Indian vice-captain has been at the peak of his performance with twin centuries in the first Test at Headingley and a thrilling fifty in the second Test at Edgbaston.
Archer’s return after four-year Test hiatus
Archer’s inclusion in England’s XI marks his first red-ball appearance in over four years, with his last Test also coming against India in 2021. The 30-year-old speedster, who made his Test debut at Lord’s in 2019 and famously delivered the World Cup-winning Super Over at the same venue, has had a turbulent injury journey, with multiple surgeries on his elbow and back.
Despite those setbacks, England have backed him for a high-stakes return. With the five-match series locked 1-1, the hosts will hope Archer brings pace and menace to a bowling unit that looked flat during the 336-run defeat at Edgbaston.
India, however, will not be losing sleep over his selection. Pant, who has amassed 342 runs at an average of 85.50 in the series so far, remains ever-so crucial. With Shubman Gill’s team aiming to continue the momentum at Lord’s, a venue where they last won in 2021, Archer’s comeback will definitely add some zip for England. However, Gus Atkinson, who joined the squad earlier this week, has not been included, as England opt for caution with his return.
England Playing XI 3rd Test
1. Zak Crawley 2. Ben Duckett 3. Ollie Pope 4. Joe Root 5. Harry Brook 6. Ben Stokes (c) 7. Jamie Smith (wk) 8. Chris Woakes 9. Brydon Carse 10. Jofra Archer 11. Shoaib Bashir
Rishabh Pant plays down hype around Jofra Archer’s return ahead of Lord’s Test Inside Sport India.
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