Jofra Archer is set to make his long-awaited return to Test cricket after four years, having been named in England’s squad for the second Test against India at Edgbaston, starting Wednesday, June 2. Archer’s inclusion follows England’s five-wicket win in the series opener at Headingley, which gave them a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
The 30-year-old fast bowler last played a Test in February 2021 and had been out of red-ball action due to a recurring elbow injury followed by a back stress fracture. Since March 2021, he has only featured in seven white-ball internationals. However, he recently marked his return to first-class cricket for Sussex against Durham in the County Championship, where he bowled 18 overs and took 1 for 32.
“It felt alright today. I’ve been playing for a year, and bowling for two years, including the build-up, so everything is fine,” Archer told ESPNcricinfo. “Now it’s a different challenge, because I know my body can hold up to it. The mental part of the game will be tough. Over the next couple of days, I’m going to have to battle a bit with it, but it’s all good. It’s a new challenge, and I’ll keep trucking along.”
Archer joins a strong England pace unit that includes Jamie Overton, Sam Cook, Brydon Carse, Chris Woakes, and Josh Tongue. Tongue impressed in the first Test at Leeds, finishing with match figures of 7 for 158. Skipper Ben Stokes also made an impact with five wickets, while Carse chipped in with four. Woakes had a less impressive outing but could bounce back as the series continues.
England’s second Test squad also features regulars like Joe Root, Ollie Pope, and Zak Crawley, along with young players such as Jacob Bethell, Shoaib Bashir, and Jamie Smith.
England squad for second Test vs India:
Ben Stokes (captain), Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes
