Rishabh Pant unfazed with hype around Jofra Archer's return to Test at Lord's: 'I'm happy he's back'

Rishabh Pant unfazed with hype around Jofra Archer's return to Test at Lord's (PTI Photos)

England have named Jofra Archer in the playing XI for the third Test against India, which will be played at Lord's, starting from Thursday. This will be Archer's first Test in over four years. The speedster replaces Josh Tongue, which is the only change England have made after the 336-run hammering at Edgbaston. Interestingly, Tongue is currently the leading wicket-taker in the five-match series, having picked eleven wickets in two matches.

Archer, on the other hand, last played in the longest format since England faced India in Ahmedabad in February 2021. The 30-year-old has taken 42 wickets in 13 Tests.

Archer's return has consumed most of the talks surrounding the match but India's vice-captain, who has so far been remarkable in the tour, remains unfazed. Asked about his thoughts on the return of Archer, Pant shrugged off the hype and said he's "happy" with the fresh development and expects a "good contest".

“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 in the pre-match press conference on Wednesday.

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Meanwhile, England captain Ben Stokes had said they would consider fresh legs with such a quick turnaround time between the second and third test, especially after England's bowlers bowled 234 overs in the second Test. The hosts struggled to take wickets as India scored over 1,000 runs in a Test match for the first time in history. England would now hope Archer's pace prove to be a lethal weapon at Lord's.

The hosts will also be wary of India's record at Lord's, where they have more wins (three) than any other venue in England. The series is tied at 1-1 after England won the first Test at Headingley before India secured their first-ever Test victory at Edgbaston on Sunday.

England playing XI for Lord's Test

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir

-with Reuters inputs