Ben Stokes described Jofra Archer's long-awaited Test comeback as a "pretty great day" for English cricket.
It was announced on Wednesday that Archer, who has not played in the longest format for four-and-a-half years, would return to action for England at Lord's in their third Test against India.
The 30-year-old replaced Josh Tongue in what was the only change made by Brendon McCullum and Stokes, as they look to bounce back from their 336-run defeat last time out.
Archer trained with England ahead of their second Test defeat at Edgbaston and has gradually been building up fitness after returning to first-class cricket for Sussex last month.
He has played in 13 Tests for England, taking 42 wickets with best figures of 6-45, though he has not featured in a red-ball match since a tour of India back in 2021.
The fast bowler has undergone several surgeries since he last represented his country, and Stokes is delighted to welcome him back into the fold.
"It's really exciting," said Stokes. "It's great for English fans, but also for Jof. It's been a long time coming for him.
"The way in which he has handled the injury setbacks over that period has been very commendable.
"It's a pretty great day and I think Jof is going to be pretty proud of himself that he's managed to get himself back here."
England have played 53 Tests since Archer last featured, with his last cap coming 1,595 days ago.
Archer's return at Lord's is fitting. He produced his two most memorable moments for England at the venue when he burst onto the scene in 2019.
He bowled the super over in England's dramatic Cricket World Cup final win over New Zealand before making his Test debut against Australia a few weeks later.
And Stokes sees no reason why Archer cannot make the same impact against India as he did six years ago.
"When he has played for England in the short format, it's obvious whenever he gets the ball in his hand, there's a change in the game," added Stokes.
"The opposition feel it as well, because they know what he can do in a spell.
"I don't think there's any reason we can't see Jofra Archer operating at the level we saw at Lord's on his debut."
But having played just one match prior to his Test return, Stokes acknowledged the risks that come with picking Archer.
"If we did not think he was ready, or in a position to be selected, he would not be selected," said Stokes. "We think he's done enough to be able to get through a Test match.
"Whenever you take the field, you are always putting yourself at risk. It's a professional sport, it's a very physical sport.
"We all know potentially stuff could go wrong, but we would not select someone if we didn't think they could get through it."
