It has been the longest wait for Jofra Archer. England have played 53 Tests since February 2021, when he was last available, before a wave of elbow and back injuries so severe they would have ended the career and crushed the spirit of a man less desperate to return.

Fast bowler Archer will come into the team for the third Test against India at Lord’s after overcoming a battle with injuries that has lasted over four years.

Injury-prone pace bowler Jofra Archer will play his first cricket test for England in 4 1/2 years after being selected for the third match of the series against India starting Thursday at Lord’s.