 "Jofra Archer last played a Test match for England in February 2021. Image: Reuters")
Jofra Archer has been named in England’s squad for the second Test against India at Edgbaston, starting 2 July. However, his place in the playing XI is still not certain despite making a red-ball comeback after more than four years. Archer had been sidelined from Tests due to a series of injuries to his elbow and back.
Archer played his first red-ball match last week, representing Sussex in a County Championship game against Durham. He bowled 18 overs and picked up one wicket, showing signs that he is close to full fitness again. After his performance for Sussex, Archer was added to England’s squad for the ongoing series against India.
Archer not confirmed to play 2nd Test
However, there’s no confirmation if Archer will make it to the playing XI in the second Test. England cricket team’s managing director Rob Key has confirmed that Archer is likely to play at least one of the next two Test matches against India. He did not specifically mention which Test Archer would feature in.
“I would imagine [that he will play at least one of the next two Tests]. As I stand here now that’s where it’s heading, but who knows? He could bowl the first ball of the [Edgbaston] Test. All options are available,” Key told Sky Sports.
“It was a question of could he hit his straps and could he get up to a decent pace, which we felt he did. Jofra is such a talent and was straight on the money. You need a lot of different things to be a world-class bowler and he has all of them - pace, release point, skill, accuracy,” he added.
The decision to include Archer in the playing XI will be taken by England captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum. If Archer doesn’t play in the second Test, he might feature in Sussex’s County match against Warwickshire later in the week.
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“There is a chance he could play in the Championship if we think that is the best thing or it might be that if he doesn’t play at Edgbaston having him around is the best thing,” Key said, asserting that they will do what’s best for Archer even if it means returning to County Championship if he isn’t picked in the second Test.
England won the first Test against India at Headingley to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. While it is unlikely they will tinker with a winning combination, Archer has the quality to tempt the team management to make a bold change.