Jofra Archer’s return adds fire to Shubman Gill’s record-breaking run at Lord's

Dubai: Jofra Archer’s long-awaited return to Test cricket adds a fiery subplot to India’s ongoing series against England. Back in the venue where he made his debut in 2019, Archer has replaced Josh Tongue in the playing XI, marking his return to red-ball cricket after more than 1,597 days.

Plagued by injuries since his last Test appearance in 2021 — also against India—Archer’s comeback brings genuine pace and bounce to England’s attack. Though he’s had a few outings in white-ball cricket, concerns over his workload and fitness had kept him out of the Test set-up until now.

Gill’s history with Archer

Archer’s inclusion could directly impact India’s red-hot captain Shubman Gill, who has been rewriting records since taking over the leadership. But the head-to-head numbers favour the bowler. In three previous Test innings against Archer, Gill has managed just 18 runs and been dismissed twice. In the recent contest, Archer has clean bowled Gill at Ahmedabad in Indian Premier League Season 18, which should still lingers in memory.

The surface has quickened significantly since the first day, offering more bounce and carry, and Archer’s ability to exploit such conditions could severely test the Indian top order.

Gill eyes Bradman landmarks

Gill, meanwhile, is on a record-breaking spree. With 585 runs in just two Tests — including epic scores of 269 and 161 at Edgbaston — the 25-year-old has already joined elite company. Now, he stands on the verge of surpassing multiple historic milestones set by Don Bradman and Sunil Gavaskar’s mark.

With three Tests to go, Gill needs:

• 148 runs to surpass Sunil Gavaskar’s 732 — the most by an Indian captain in a series

• 225 runs to beat Bradman’s 810 runs as captain in a series (1936—37 Ashes)

• 390 runs to eclipse Bradman’s all-time Test series record of 974, also set in 1930

Bradman’s record as captain came in his debut series leading Australia — much like Gill now. The Indian skipper already has three centuries under his belt and is averaging over 190 this series, showing the kind of form needed to challenge records that have stood nearly a century.

Key battle ahead

The return of a fit-again Archer gives England a much-needed edge as they try to claw their way back into the series. For Gill, it’s a chance to overcome a personal challenge and cement his name alongside the greatest in history. With India opting for a heavy roller, the next few days could well decide whether he gets there.