Jofra Archer’s long-anticipated return to the Test arena will have to wait a little longer. Despite being named in the England Test squad for the first time in over three years, the pacer has not been included in the playing eleven for the second Test against India, which begins at Edgbaston on Wednesday.
After a pulsating five-wicket win at Headingley, England have decided to back the same group of players who delivered under pressure and handed them a 1-0 lead in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.
Archer, 30, was added to the squad following the victory in Leeds, signalling hopes of a comeback after a turbulent spell with injuries that kept him out of red-ball cricket since February 2021. The Barbados-born quick has featured in 13 Tests for England, claiming 42 wickets at 31.04, but a recurring elbow issue and a stress fracture in his back derailed his Test career.
Adding to the delay, Archer missed Monday’s training session owing to a family emergency. He is expected to link up with the team on Tuesday ahead of the second Test.
England’s decision to go unchanged means Chris Woakes keeps his spot and will play at his beloved Edgbaston — a ground where the 36-year-old all-rounder has thrived in the past. Woakes has an exceptional record at the venue, with impactful performances against Australia, the West Indies, and Pakistan.
The spotlight will again be on England’s mix of youth and experience, led by Ben Stokes, as they aim to tighten their grip on the series. A win in Birmingham would hand the hosts a 2-0 lead and the chance to seal the series at Lord’s, starting July 10.
England’s Playing XI for 2nd Test:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir.
