England have received a major boost ahead of the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy as fast bowler Jofra Archer has been named in the squad, marking his return to the Test arena for the first time since February 2021. The match against India is set to begin at Edgbaston on July 2, with England holding a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Archer’s long road back to Test cricket has been riddled with injuries, including a recurring elbow issue and a stress fracture in his back, which kept him out of the longest format for over three years. He recently returned to red-ball action for Sussex in a County Championship clash against Durham at Chester-le-Street, where he bowled 18 overs and picked up a wicket, signaling a crucial step in his recovery.
The 29-year-old’s comeback had been further delayed by a thumb injury sustained while playing for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League earlier this year, which forced him to miss England’s white-ball tour of the West Indies. Now fully fit, Archer is eager to reignite his Test career, where he has so far taken 42 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 31.04.
His inclusion in the squad sets up a selection dilemma for the team management. Josh Tongue impressed in the first Test at Headingley with a seven-wicket haul, while Brydon Carse also contributed with four wickets. One of the two may have to make way for Archer’s return to the playing XI. Sam Cook, Jamie Overton, and promising all-rounder Jacob Bethell retain their places in the squad.
England head into the Edgbaston Test full of confidence after pulling off a thrilling five-wicket win in the series opener, chasing down 371 with a commanding batting effort led by their experienced core. A victory in Birmingham would give them the chance to wrap up the series in the third Test at Lord’s, starting July 10.
Ben Stokes continues to lead the side, with key names including Joe Root, Ollie Pope, Zak Crawley, and Chris Woakes forming a strong core. Jamie Smith is expected to keep wicket, while Shoaib Bashir and Bethell offer spin and all-round depth.
England Squad For Second Test: Ben Stokes (Captain), 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.
