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

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.