India Vs England, 3rd Test: Joe Root Hails Jofra Archer’s Classy Impact On ENG Return

Joe Root said it was "class" to see Jofra Archer's return to Test cricket after he made an instant impact on day two against India at Lord's.

Archer made his first red-ball appearance for England since 2021, having suffered from a string of injuries, with his return carefully managed to ensure he could feature in the longest format once more.

And he took Yashasvi Jaiswal (13) with just the third ball of his first over before wheeling away in an emotional celebration.

England were bowled out for 387, thanks in part to Jasprit Bumrah's impressive display, while India were halted at 145-3 at the end of Friday's play.

Root, who recorded his 37th Test century and 11th against India, also finished the day having made history as he registered his 211th catch, the most by an outfielder in the longest format.

But the Yorkshireman was not focused on his own achievements as he lauded Archer's instant impact.

"It was class," said Root, who was Archer's captain throughout his first spell as a Test cricketer.

"That atmosphere, the genuine joy seeing him back playing Test cricket, taking that wicket, making things happen.

"The impact he adds to the group is huge in the dressing room, but also out on the field. The reception he gets shows how much love there is for him."

Having finished day one on 99 not out, Root noted that he had worried he might not get over the line for his century.

"I did wake up at about half one in the morning and went through every dismissal I could possibly get out to," he told Test Match Special.

"Then, I thought, 'it's not about me, it's about us getting a decent score, stop being so selfish and get over yourself'. Once I did that, I went back to sleep, so much better."

Bumrah was the standout for India after finishing with figures of 5-74 as he stopped the likes of Root, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes, who had overcome a fitness scare to feature on Friday.

He took his 13th five-wicket haul in away Tests, the most by any Indian bowler, surpassing Kapil Dev's 12 five-fors.

"It's quite evenly balanced but slightly ahead in our favour," Bumrah told Test Match Special.

"Being on the honours board feels good. I was excited to play at Lord's."

India will begin day three at the crease, with KL Rahul (53 not out) and Rishabh Pant (19 not out) aiming to build some momentum.