The inclusion of Jofra Archer in England’s squad for the second Test against India has ignited mixed reactions from former cricketers, with some calling it a bold but risky move, while others urge caution. As England prepares for the second match of the five-Test Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series at Edgbaston from July 2, the fast bowler’s long-awaited comeback has taken center stage in the buildup.
England currently lead the series 1-0 after a thrilling five-wicket victory in Leeds, chasing down 371 runs with standout performances from Ben Duckett, Joe Root, and Jamie Smith. Duckett’s commanding 149 earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award, while India’s impressive batting displays—centuries from Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and another from Pant in the second innings—weren’t enough to prevent a defeat, despite Jasprit Bumrah’s first-innings five-wicket haul.
But it’s Archer’s return to red-ball cricket, after a four-year absence, that has stirred the biggest talking points. The 30-year-old pacer last played a Test in February 2021 and only recently made a return in a County Championship fixture for Sussex, where he showed promising signs with figures of 1/32 in 18 overs and a valuable 31 with the bat.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain called the decision a “gamble worth taking,” praising Archer’s resilience after battling persistent elbow and back injuries. “He must have been through so much with the rehab and the mental torment,” Hussain told Sky Sports. “It’s great to see him back. If you’re an England fan, you should be pleased.”
However, Hussain also urged patience. “I think it’s too much of a risk this week. It may have gone so well in rehab that they feel ready, but I’d have held him back until Lord’s. The challenge now is who makes way if he plays.”
On the other hand, David Gower, another former England stalwart, expressed reservations about the timing. “He has played just one game for Sussex. With that injury history, I would have preferred to see him bowl in three or four games before putting him back in the Test XI,” Gower said. “You don’t have to change a winning side, and I wouldn’t be rushing Archer at this stage.”
Archer’s Test record stands at 42 wickets from 13 matches at an average of 31.04, including best figures of 6/45. His raw pace and ability to generate bounce make him a potentially lethal weapon in English conditions, but his recent injury history has made him a subject of careful management.
Despite the surrounding debate, the England squad remains otherwise unchanged. Captain Ben Stokes continues to lead a balanced team that showed composure under pressure during the record chase in Leeds. Jofra Archer’s presence adds depth to the pace attack that already includes Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse, Jamie Overton, and Chris Woakes.
India, meanwhile, will look to regroup after a near-complete performance in the first Test was undone by England’s aggressive fourth-innings chase. The visitors will aim to correct their lower-order collapses and sharpen their bowling plans, especially against England’s middle and lower order.
With the Edgbaston Test promising another enthralling contest, all eyes will be on the final playing XI—and whether England take the risk of unleashing Archer, the “gamble worth taking,” or opt for continuity.
England Men’s Test Squad for 2nd Test vs India:
Ben Stokes (capt), 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.