Ben Stokes has lauded Jofra Archer's "amazing effort" in England's thrilling 22-run victory over India at Lord's, a win that propelled the home side to a 2-1 lead in the five-match Test series. Archer, making his first Test appearance in over four years, played a pivotal role, claiming a five-wicket match haul and a stunning one-handed catch.

Stokes revealed that he had a "gut feeling" about Archer's potential impact on the final day. India resumed on 58 for four, chasing a target of 193, and Stokes entrusted Archer with the ball early in the day. His intuition proved correct, as Archer struck crucial blows, dismissing Rishabh Pant with a sharply nipping delivery that uprooted his off-stump and then taking a spectacular catch off his own bowling to remove Washington Sundar.

"I just had this gut feeling that something was going to happen in Jof's first time back in the Test match team, sometimes your gut works, I guess," Stokes said. "It's six years to the day (since the 2019 World Cup final) and Jof had a major part in that. I just had one of those feelings that he was going to do something special and he managed to crack the game open with those two wickets". Stokes and Archer were key figures in England's 2019 World Cup final triumph, which also took place on July 14 at Lord's.

Archer's comeback Test was not just about wickets; it was about the atmosphere he brought to the game. "Every time he gets announced on the tannoy that he's going to bowl, you just hear the ground erupt and when he turns it on, the feeling in the game just changes," Stokes noted. He further added, "What an amazing effort from him to get through those overs. He got some crucial wickets for us and it's great to have him back".

The fast bowler's return marks the end of a long, injury-disrupted period that included multiple elbow surgeries and a stress fracture of the back since 2021. Stokes commended Archer's resilience in overcoming these setbacks, saying, "The way in which he's handled the injury setbacks over a period has been very commendable".

Archer himself acknowledged the emotional weight of his return, revealing the challenges he faced during his rehabilitation. "It was a little bit emotional, a long journey," he said, adding that the support from the crowd and the Long Room made "all that rehab worthwhile". He also brushed off fitness concerns after bowling over 30 overs in the match.

England's victory was hard-fought, with India putting up a strong resistance. Ravindra Jadeja played a valiant innings, remaining unbeaten on 61, but Shoaib Bashir ultimately sealed the win for England by dismissing Mohammed Siraj. Despite Jadeja's efforts, India were bowled out for 170, falling short of the 193-run target.

Archer's performance in this Test match has not only boosted England's chances in the series but has also reaffirmed his status as a world-class bowler. His ability to generate pace and extract movement made him a constant threat to the Indian batsmen. Beyond his bowling prowess, Archer's athleticism was also on display, as evidenced by his spectacular one-handed catch to dismiss Sundar.

With the series now at 2-1 in England's favor, the momentum has shifted, and the remaining two Tests promise to be enthralling encounters. The fourth Test will be held in Manchester starting on July 23, 2025.