Jofra Archer Returns to England Squad Ahead of Second Test vs India

After a brilliant win in the first Test against India, England has made a big decision for the second match. Speedster Jofra Archer has been included in the England squad for the second Test of the five-match series. Archer’s return adds significant strength to the team. The 30-year-old, considered one of the best fast bowlers in the world, had been sidelined from international cricket for years due to persistent injuries. But now, he’s back.

Archer last played a Test match for England in February 2021, coincidentally also against India. After a long injury layoff, he resumed competitive cricket recently by playing in the County Championship and showed decent form. His selection ahead of the second Test is seen as a confident move by the selectors.

The second Test is scheduled to begin on July 2 at Edgbaston, Birmingham, and Archer is almost certain to feature. Interestingly, his last Test appearance was also against India – now, after nearly four years, he is set to face them again.

Apart from Archer, no other changes have been made to the squad that played the first Test. All players from the first match retain their places, and Archer is the only addition.

In the first Test, England had relied on a young pace attack led by Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue, supported by Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes. Both Carse and Tongue performed impressively. With Archer now in the mix, India’s task in the second Test just got tougher.