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.

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.

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.