Rishabh Pant shared his thoughts on facing Jofra Archer ahead of the third Test at Lord’s, set to begin Thursday.
Rishabh Pant Welcomes Jofra Archer’s Return but Stays Focused on Team Goals
After more than four years away from the longest format, Jofra Archer’s return to Test cricket has drawn widespread attention—and India vice-captain Rishabh Pant has responded positively. Speaking ahead of the third Test at Lord’s, Pant described Archer’s comeback as “a good contest,” while firmly stating that his personal focus remains on giving his all for Team India.
“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 at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference.
India enters the Lord’s Test brimming with confidence after a dominant 336-run win over England at Edgbaston. Pant has been instrumental in India’s campaign so far, amassing 342 runs at an impressive average of 85.50, including a rapid 65 from just 57 balls in the second Test.
Jofra Archer, whose last Test appearance was also against India in 2021, made a sharp impact then—dismissing both Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill early in the Chennai Test. Having removed Gill twice in two previous matches, Archer will be keen to replicate that success at Lord’s.
Lord’s a special venue for Archer
England have made a single change to their playing XI for the third Test, bringing in Jofra Archer following their heavy defeat at Edgbaston. Captain Ben Stokes is banking on the 30-year-old speedster to inject fresh energy into a bowling unit that has struggled to make an impact so far in the series.
Lord’s holds special meaning for Archer—it’s the venue where he bowled the dramatic Super Over in England’s 2019 World Cup win and where he made his memorable Test debut later that summer. His return adds an extra layer of intrigue to the third Test, with the series tied 1-1.
One of the most anticipated battles at Lord’s could be between Archer and Rishabh Pant, who has been in red-hot form. With high stakes and fiery matchups, the third Test promises to be a defining moment in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.