With the India-England Test series tied at 1-1, the third Test at Lord’s promises a thrilling pace battle between Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer. Bumrah returns to lead India’s attack, while Archer makes a Test comeback after four years.
India’s 336-run win in the second Test, led by Akash Deep’s 10 wickets, followed England’s victory in the first Test, where Bumrah took 5/140. England’s request for a pacy Lord’s pitch favors Archer, but Bumrah’s return strengthens India’s attack alongside Siraj and Akash Deep. The slope at Lord’s will test both bowlers.

Bumrah, the world’s No. 1 Test bowler, has 210 wickets in 46 Tests at an average of 20.33, with 10 five-wicket hauls, all in Indian wins. In his first 13 Tests (matching Archer’s career), he took 63 wickets at 20.33, with 42 in victories (66.66%). His 5/140 in Leeds showed his dominance, dismantling England’s top order. Rested after missing the second Test, Bumrah’s unorthodox action and swing could exploit the Lord’s slope, especially against Crawley and Duckett. Bumrah has proven to be a perfect antidote for Bazball over the years, and he can be at his devastating best following the extended break.
Archer, back after injury, has 42 wickets in 13 Tests at 31.04, with a best of 8/85 at Lord’s in 2019. His 22 wickets in wins (52.30%) trail Bumrah, and his 41.50 average in away Tests shows inconsistency. His recent Sussex outing (1 wicket in 18 overs) suggests progress, but rustiness is a concern. Archer’s 150 kph pace and bounce could trouble India’s in-form batters like Gill and Jaiswal on a green pitch, but his lack of Test rhythm is a risk.
| Metric | Bumrah | Archer |
|---|---|---|
| Wickets | 63 | 42 |
| Average | 20.33 | 31.04 |
| Strike Rate | 47.6 | 62.1 |
| Economy | 2.56 | 2.99 |
| Best Match Figures | 9/86 | 8/85 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 5 | 3 |
Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian pace ace, is likely to outshine Archer. His superior stats, match-winning record, and adaptability on overseas pitches make him the safer bet.
Archer’s pace could spark moments of brilliance, but his lack of recent Test cricket tilts the scales. Expect Bumrah to claim a fifer, while Archer may trouble India early if he finds rhythm. The lanky English pacer hasn't had the toils of red ball cricket, but he has the ability to rattle any batting lineup.
Bumrah, on the other hand, is a seasoned customer. He has the innate ability to shine when it matters the most, and after the positive turnaround at Edgbaston the Indian team will bank on their superstar in this crucial encounter.