Jofra Archer Returns to England’s Test Squad After Four-Year Absence

BIRMINGHAM: Pacer Jofra Archer is in line to participate in his first Test match in over four years, having been named in England’s squad for the second Test against India. The match is scheduled to take place at Edgbaston from July 2 to 6.

Archer’s selection represents the only alteration made by the English side, who currently hold a 1-0 lead in the five-match series after securing a five-wicket victory in Leeds.

The 30-year-old faces competition for a spot in England’s playing XI, as he vies with fellow fast bowlers Jamie Overton, Sam Cook, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue.

Archer’s last Test appearance was in February 2021 during England’s tour of India for a four-match series.

Subsequently, he was sidelined from Test cricket due to a recurring elbow issue, followed by a back stress fracture. This limited him to just seven white-ball matches for England until 2024.

Archer recently marked his return to first-class cricket, representing Sussex in a County Championship Division 1 match against Durham. He bowled 18 overs and claimed one wicket in the drawn match.

During a media interaction following the second day’s play, Archer spoke about the challenges of playing multi-day cricket. He also conveyed his determination to persevere.

“It felt all right today,” Archer stated. “I’ve been playing for a year, and bowling for two years, including the build-up, so everything is fine.

“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.”

England Men’s Test squad: Ben Stokes (c), 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 and Chris Woakes.