Stokes Affirms Archer’s Potential Role in Ongoing Series

BIRMINGHAM: England’s skipper, Ben Stokes, addressed the media on Tuesday, regarding Jofra Archer’s absence from the team’s lineup for the second Test against India, a five-match series set to commence on Wednesday.

Archer, whose last Test appearance was in February 2021, had rejoined the England squad ahead of the forthcoming match.

His return suggested a possible comeback to Test cricket after a four-year absence. However, the team opted to maintain the same lineup that achieved a significant five-wicket victory over India in the series’ opening match in Leeds, successfully chasing a target of 371 runs.

Reports later surfaced indicating that the 30-year-old had missed an England training session due to a family matter but was scheduled to rejoin the team on Tuesday.

During the pre-match press conference at Edgbaston, Stokes pointed out that Archer’s previous involvement with the team predated the current leadership of head coach Brendon McCullum and himself. Therefore, he emphasized the need to integrate Archer back into the team environment before considering him for the playing XI.

Stokes made it clear that Archer remains a viable option for the ongoing series and future matches.

Stokes commented, “Given his extended absence and the significant changes in the team environment since his last involvement, both Baz [Brendon McCullum] and I felt it was crucial to have Jof around the group, even if he didn’t play.”

He further added, “His return to the squad is encouraging, and we hope he will contribute to the series and the team’s future.”

It is worth noting that England has selected an unchanged team following their impressive five-wicket victory in the first match, where they successfully chased down a target of 371 runs.

England’s playing XI for the second Test against India:

  • Zak Crawley
  • Ben Duckett
  • Ollie Pope
  • Joe Root
  • Harry Brook
  • Ben Stokes (c)
  • Jamie Smith (WK)
  • Chris Woakes
  • Brydon Carse
  • Josh Tongue
  • Shoaib Bashir