LONDON — Jofra Archer made a stunning return to Test cricket, claiming two crucial wickets as England and India battled through a gripping second day of the third Test at Lord's. The fast bowler, playing his first Test in over a year due to injury, delivered a fiery spell that swung momentum back in England's favor during a see-saw contest.
Archer's Fiery Comeback
Archer, who last featured in Test cricket during the 2023 Ashes, silenced any doubts about his fitness with a hostile opening burst. His pace consistently hovered around 90mph, troubling India's top order. The 28-year-old struck in his fourth over, trapping Shubman Gill lbw for 24 with a searing yorker. "That's the Jofra we've missed," exclaimed Nasser Hussain on commentary as Archer celebrated his first Test wicket since July 2023.
His second breakthrough came just before tea, removing the dangerous Virat Kohli (42) with a perfectly executed short ball that the former India captain could only glove to Ben Stokes at second slip. "The moment Kohli fell, you could feel the game shift," observed former England captain Michael Atherton. Archer's figures of 2-48 from 15 overs didn't fully reflect his impact on a pitch offering variable bounce.
India's Middle-Order Resistance
Despite Archer's heroics, India fought back strongly through a 112-run partnership between KL Rahul (76) and Rishabh Pant (58*). The visitors recovered from 98-4 to reach 210-5 at stumps, trailing England's first-innings total of 319 by 109 runs. Pant, playing his first Test since a horrific car accident in December 2022, showcased his trademark counter-attacking style:
- Hit three sixes in his 89-ball innings
- Targeted Jack Leach's left-arm spin aggressively
- Survived a dropped catch by Joe Root on 34
England captain Ben Stokes rotated his bowlers cleverly, using Mark Wood's extreme pace in short bursts alongside Archer. The Durham quick touched 96.2mph - the fastest delivery of the match - but couldn't break the stubborn partnership. "We've seen today why Test cricket remains the ultimate challenge," Stokes told Sky Sports during the evening session.
Turning Point: The Kohli Dismissal
Archer's removal of Kohli proved pivotal. The Indian star had looked in ominous touch, driving James Anderson for three boundaries in an over before Archer's bouncer undid him. Kohli's wicket triggered a mini-collapse:
- India lost 3-18 in 7.3 overs
- Shreyas Iyer fell to Anderson for 12
- Rahul survived two close lbw appeals
England's Morning Struggles
Earlier, England added just 47 runs to their overnight 272-6 before being bowled out. Mohammed Shami (4-94) and Jasprit Bumrah (3-86) exploited the overcast conditions expertly. The hosts' lower order failed to capitalize on a decent platform:
- Last 4 wickets fell for 19 runs
- Jonny Bairstow stranded on 78*
- Bumrah's yorker to dismiss Stuart Broad a highlight
Bairstow's gritty knock, featuring 12 boundaries, ensured England passed 300 after being 176-5 on day one. "That's one of Jonny's best Test innings given the context," said England batting coach Marcus Trescothick. "The way he farmed the strike with the tail was masterful."
Day Three Preview
With Pant well set and Ravindra Jadeja (12*) at the crease, India will aim to build a substantial first-innings lead. England need early wickets to stay in contention. The forecast suggests better batting conditions tomorrow, which could make Archer's morning spell even more crucial. As former England spinner Graeme Swann noted: "This Test is perfectly poised. Whoever wins the first hour tomorrow probably wins the game."
The match situation reflects the broader series narrative - these two heavyweight teams have traded blows throughout. England won a thriller at Edgbaston by 28 runs, before India leveled with a comprehensive 106-run victory at Trent Bridge. This Lord's encounter appears headed for another classic finish.
For Archer, the day represented more than just a successful return. After multiple elbow surgeries and a stress fracture in his back, many doubted whether he could recapture his best form. His performance answered those questions emphatically. As he walked off to a standing ovation from the Lord's crowd, even the normally reserved Archer allowed himself a broad smile. "That reception meant everything," he admitted afterwards.
With two days remaining and the match hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on how both teams approach Saturday's play. Can Pant push India into a commanding position? Will Archer produce another match-defining spell? One thing is certain - this absorbing contest between bat and ball has already justified its billing as the marquee series of the summer.