England have announced the playing XI for the third Test against India. Jofra Archer, who last played a Test in 2021, has made a much-awaited return to the Test team. Archer's career was marred by injuries that kept him out of international cricket for multiple years; however, the pacer underwent rehab and now finds himself back in the England squad.

Archer's return will bolster the England attack that has looked flat so far in the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy. Notably, India have already scored seven centuries in the two Tests so far. The bowling failed to trouble the Indian batting on a flat Edgbaston surface, resulting in a massive 336-run defeat that helped India level the series 1-1.

There were concerns whether Zak Crawley would be picked in the XI given his poor form, but the batter was backed by the team. Gus Atkinson was also set to feature in the playing XI, but England held him, probably for the fourth Test or the fifth Test.

England were poor in the second Test and would be keen to bounce back at Lord's. The initial pictures of the pitch suggest that it would support the fast bowlers, and Archer's return could prove to be a big factor; however, Jasprit Bumrah will also return for India to level the field.

England's batting has revolved around Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, and Jamie Smith, but if England have to win the series, they will need runs from Crawley, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes as well.

England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir