Joe Root and Jacob Bethell scored centuries and fast bowler Jofra Archer took 4-18 as England demolished South Africa by a world record 342 runs in the third and final One Day International in Southampton on Sunday.

There are games that thrill, and then there are Test matches that sear themselves into memory.

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant believes India are in a strong position heading into the third Test against England at Lord’s on Thursday, emphasising the importance of continuing to stick to plans, despite the quick turnaround after their commanding win at Edgbaston.

"Really exciting. I think it's great for English fans but also for Jof," England captain Ben Stokes.

Archer has taken 42 wickets in 13 Tests but has not played in the format since February 2021 after a succession of elbow injuries and back issues sidelined him for long periods.

England named an unchanged team for the second Test against India starting at Edgbaston on Wednesday, as Jofra Archer was made to wait for his return.

Paceman Jofra Archer has been named in England's squad for the second Test against India after an absence of more than four years.

England have selected five Indian Premier League players in their one-day squad to face the West Indies, including former captain Jos Buttler, but have not ruled out allowing them to skip the series.

England fast bowler Jofra Archer has been lauded for his match-winning IPL display for Rajasthan Royals, a rapid turnaround from a record hammering in the season opener.

Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal struck form with an attacking 67 to lead Rajasthan Royals to a crushing 50-run win over Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League on Saturday.

England fast bowler Jofra Archer returned the most expensive bowling figures in the Indian Premier League on Sunday when he was hammered for 76 runs in his four overs as Rajasthan Royals were put to the sword by the Sunrisers Hyderabad batsmen.

England captain Jos Buttler believes his squad will be better equipped to retain their T20 World Cup title after a miserable defence of their 50-over crown in India last year.

"We played together at the 2019 World Cup and things went pretty well," said Wood.

England captain Jos Buttler won man-of-the-match after he smashed 84 off 51 balls to set the hosts a target of 184.

England are eager to unleash Jofra Archer's "fear factor" against Pakistan as the paceman prepares to return from a long injury lay-off ahead of next month's T20 World Cup, says team-mate Sam Curran.

Injuries have blighted Archer's international career and he has not played top-level cricket for the past year.

Archer has been passed fit after recovering from a right elbow injury that has kept him out of competitive action since May 2023.

England pace bowler Jofra Archer could play in this year's T20 World Cup but will not play test cricket until 2025, according to England managing director Rob Key.

Jofra Archer will not play Test cricket again until 2025 at the earliest but the T20 World Cup is a realistic goal for the paceman, according to England cricket chief Rob Key.

England coach Matthew Mott said test captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Jofra Archer will be given every chance to prove their fitness before next year's Twenty20 World Cup.