The iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground played host to a highly anticipated clash as England and India squared off in the third Test of the series. With the series poised at 1-1, both teams arrived in London with everything to play for. While England sought redemption after a heavy defeat in the previous Test, India looked to maintain their momentum. Yet, all eyes were on one man: Jofra Archer, making his long-awaited return to Test cricket after more than four years on the sidelines due to persistent elbow and back injuries.

Yashasvi Jaiswal falls to a perfect Jofra Archer comeback on Day 2

The buzz was electric as Archer marked out his run-up for England’s second over, the anticipation palpable among the packed Lord’s crowd. On just his third delivery, Archer delivered a moment that will be replayed for years: a searing ball at 89mph (143kph) on a perfect length that squared up India’s in-form opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. Jaiswal, who had tormented England in previous encounters, could do little as the ball took the edge and flew straight to Harry Brook at second slip. Archer erupted in celebration, tearing away in sheer joy before enveloping teammate Shoaib Bashir in a bear hug, as the home crowd rose in unison to salute his comeback. Jaiswal trudged off for 13, a rare early failure, leaving India 13 for 1 and Lord’s buzzing with the sense that something special was unfolding.

It was a wicket that encapsulated everything about Archer’s unique threat: pace, precision, and the ability to make things happen out of nowhere. For England fans, it was a flashback to his unforgettable debut summer six years prior, and a sign that the old magic was still very much alive. Archer’s first over was a wicket maiden, a statement of intent on his return to the format where he first made his name.

Here’s the video:

Edged… And carried!

JOFRA IS BACK! 🌪️ pic.twitter.com/xr0hgYtP72

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 11, 2025

Also READ: ENG vs IND: Fans go wild as Jasprit Bumrah enters honours board with fiery 5-wicket haul on Day 2 of Lord’s Test

Joe Root’s century anchors the hosts to a formidable total

Earlier, England had posted a competitive 387 in their first innings, building their total around a masterful century from Joe Root. Root’s 104 anchored the innings, with valuable contributions from Ollie Pope (44), Ben Stokes (44), Jamie Smith (51), and Brydon Carse (56). The Indian bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket haul, made regular inroads, but England’s lower order added crucial runs to push the total beyond 350.

Bumrah’s spell was a reminder of his world-class quality, as he cleaned up the tail and castled Archer for 4 to complete his five-for. Despite the wickets, England’s resilience and Root’s calm accumulation ensured the hosts finished with a score that put India under pressure from the outset.

As Day 2 progressed, India found themselves 44/1 in reply, still trailing by 343 runs. Archer’s early strike had already set the tone, and with the Lord’s crowd behind them, England sensed an opportunity to seize control of the match.

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