IND vs ENG: Massive boost for England! Head coach reveals new weapon 'ready to go' for 3rd Test
England head coach
Brendon McCullum
has hinted that
Jofra Archer
could make a return to the Test side for the third match against India at Lord's, set to commence on Thursday. Archer, who was part of the squad for the second Test at Edgbaston but did not feature, is being considered as England look to freshen up their pace attack following a heavy 336-run defeat that levelled the series at 1-1.
'He's ready to go,' McCullum said about the express pacer, who last played a Test in February 2021. 'It's hugely exciting, he's buzzing as well. He's obviously been through his injuries and his time out of Test
cricket
, but we all know what he's capable of achieving and we hope that when the opportunity does arrive for him, he's able to recapture and improve on what he's been able to do already,' added the head coach as quoted by AFP.
The 30-year-old Archer has played just one first-class match this season, bowling 18 overs for Sussex, but remains a key weapon England are seriously considering deploying at Lord's.
India, meanwhile, have already confirmed that pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will return after being rested for the second Test.
'Any attack of ours can take 20 wickets anywhere': Shubman Gill hails Mohd Siraj, Akash Deep after historic Edgbaston win
McCullum also addressed England's spin options, backing Shoaib Bashir to continue despite an expensive outing in the first two Tests, where he has taken eight wickets at an average close to 60.
'We know he's not the finished article yet, but I feel like he's getting better and better. As the series wears on, I think we'll see him play quite a big hand,' McCullum said.
Poll
Should Jofra Archer be included in the Test squad for the 3rd match against India?
Yes, he should play
No, stick to the same squad
The coach also clarified that Jacob Bethell, though a more capable batsman than Bashir, won't be considered as a spin replacement. 'He's a batting option. He's the next one in if something happens, but we don't crowbar anything.'
With three matches remaining, McCullum expressed hope for a better balance between bat and ball, after the first two Tests produced 11 centuries led by Indian captain Shubman Gill, who has already scored 585 runs in the series.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
Patrick Mahomes finally reveals what went wrong with Kansas City Chiefs last season and how to fix it
Patrick Mahomes finally reveals what went wrong with Kansas City Chiefs last season and how to fix it (Image via Getty) The Kansas City Chiefs finished the 2024 season in a way fans weren't expecting. For the first time in years, Patrick Mahomes and his team were blown out in a big game. It wasn't just a loss it was a shocking end. Now, as the 2025 season approaches, Mahomes isn't talking about revenge. He's not looking to prove people wrong with words. Instead, he wants to get back on the field and play football correctly. Patrick Mahomes says Chiefs need joy not pressure After a tough loss in Super Bowl LIX, many people expected Mahomes to come back with fire and frustration. But during an interview with Kay Adams, he made it clear he's ready to work, not talk. — scott_long5 (@scott_long5) He explained that the last season felt different. The team was winning, but it wasn't always fun. They were playing with pressure instead of passion. 'I feel like last year… guys wanted to win not for the fun of the game, but just because we're supposed to,' he said. Now, Mahomes wants that joy back. The victories will come, he thinks, when the team plays with confidence and vigor. He is interested in outcomes, not vengeance. 'We have the talent. We have the coaches. We work harder than anyone in the NFL. So let's go out there and have fun,' he added. Patrick Mahomes is ready to unleash new weapons in 2025 One issue for the Chiefs in 2024 was their struggling receiving group. Injuries to Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown made things tough. But Mahomes believes the front office made strong moves for 2025. 'We have so many weapons,' he said. 'Let's go out there and just maximize it all.' Also Read: 'Until We Got Married': Kansas City Chiefs Star Patrick Mahomes Opens Up About How Brittany Supported Him Since High School He's excited about a healthy Rashee Rice, a fully fit Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown, and young star Xavier Worthy. Add in Travis Kelce and Noah Gray, and Mahomes sees endless options. 'I think it's gonna come from everywhere,' he said. The Chiefs are aware of past skepticism about them. They responded to detractors by taking back-to-back Super Bowls in 2022 and 2023. Though last year didn't go their way, Mahomes thinks the future looks bright. Kansas City might be more deadly than ever with a good lineup and a rediscovered emphasis on pleasure. And Mahomes is more motivated by passion than by pressure. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
'I did it for my baby girl': TY Hilton's legendary NFL moment resurfaces as he reveals why he cried during Colts game after baby's birth
TY Hilton's legendary NFL moment resurfaces as he reveals why he cried during Colts game after baby's birth (Image via Getty) NFL fans had a rollercoaster of emotions after a story about Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver TY Hilton went viral. The story prompted tears almost a decade after the game took place, but TY Hilton had since reflected on the moment again and this time, he was teary-eyed. The powerful moment happened just hours after TY Hilton became a father. What happened next on the football field stunned everyone. With zero sleep and full of emotion, TY Hilton still showed up and gave Indianapolis Colts fans a moment to remember. But what really made it unforgettable was how he celebrated. TY Hilton played the game of his life just hours after his daughter's birth TY Hilton played against the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 24, 2014 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. That same morning, his wife Shantrell gave birth to their daughter. TY Hilton had not slept at all but decided to suit up and play for the Indianapolis Colts. In the third quarter, TY Hilton scored a touchdown and instantly celebrated in the sweetest way, he rocked the football like a baby. After the game, TY Hilton got emotional during the post-game interview. 'I did it for my baby girl,' he said. 'I didn't sleep at all. I was in the hospital, then I came straight to the field.' The Indianapolis Colts beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-3 that day, but all fans remember is TY Hilton's love-filled celebration. Also Read: Anthony Richardson Opens Up About Injury Journey And Readiness For 2025 NFL Comeback TY Hilton opens up about that moment years later, still emotional In a recent interview on the Pat McAfee Show on July 6, 2025, TY Hilton recalled that game and even now, says it was one of the proudest days of his life,'Every time I see that clip, I tear up,' TY Hilton said. 'It was more than football that day.' TY Hilton, who retired in 2023 after spending 10 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, says that game reminds him why he played the sport with heart. He added, 'I wasn't just playing for stats. That day, I was playing for family.' Sharing the video once more this weekend, the NFL sent it fast viral on social media and reminded fans why TY Hilton will always be an Indianapolis Colts legend. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
'I'm tired of this sh*t': Angel Reese explodes after WNBA referees ignore foul calls in wild Chicago Sky loss
'I'm tired of this sh*t': Angel Reese explodes after WNBA referees ignore foul calls in wild Chicago Sky loss (Image via Getty) Angel Reese is once again trending after she spoke out strongly against WNBA referees. Her comments came right after the Chicago Sky lost a close game to the Minnesota Lynx. What she said shocked reporters and fans. She didn't hold back. And she made it very clear she doesn't care if the league fines her. The 23-year-old WNBA All-Star sounded cranky and agitated. The complete story was revealed at the postgame press conference on July 7, 2025. Here's exactly what Angel Reese said and what led to the outburst. Angel Reese says officiating in WNBA is unfair after Chicago Sky's loss The Chicago Sky fell 80–75 to the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday evening, July 7, 2025, at Chicago, Illinois's Wintrust Arena. Angel Reese addressed the press immediately after the game and pointed out the referees. Angel Reese said, 'We only had two free throws up until the fourth quarter, and when I asked the ref, she told me it's not her job.' Angel Reese explained that her team fought hard and deserved better calls. The Chicago Sky star also said, 'I've been humble, but I'm tired of this.' She added that she wasn't scared of being fined for her words. 'That s— is cheap, and I'm tired of this s—,' she said. These were strong words from Reese, who was recently named a 2025 WNBA All-Star. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure your family's future! ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo Also Read: Angel Reese Gives Emotional Shoutout To Lisa Leslie After Win And Breaks Silence On Their Bond Angel Reese reacts on social media and stands by her words After the press conference, Angel Reese posted on social media site X (formerly Twitter). She reposted a photo of a Minnesota Lynx player grabbing her waist while she went for a shot. Angel Reese called the moment 'diabolical.' When a fan shared her quote about not caring if she's fined, she replied, 'idgaf. DO BETTER. @WNBA.' Angel Reese has been a top player for the Chicago Sky and helped lead the team in a tough season. The Chicago Sky are now preparing to play the Washington Mystics in D.C. on July 8, 2025. The WNBA has not yet responded to Angel Reese's statements. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
