India trail 0–1 in the five-match Test series against England after a five-wicket loss in the first game. As the second Test approaches, starting July 2 at Edgbaston in Birmingham, England have announced their squad with a significant inclusion—Jofra Archer, who returns to Test cricket after more than four years.
Archer last played a Test match in February 2021, also against India, in Ahmedabad. His absence since then was due to persistent elbow and back injuries that forced him to miss both domestic and international red-ball cricket.
Return to Form in County Championship
Archer made his first-class comeback last week for Sussex in the County Championship against Warwickshire. He delivered an encouraging performance, bowling 18 overs and recording figures of 1 for 32.
After the match, he said he felt confident about his fitness and ability to cope with the demands of Test cricket.
Now it’s a different challenge, because I know my body can hold up to it,” Archer told reporters. “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’s Pace Options Get a Boost
England’s pace attack, which lacked consistency in the first Test, will benefit from Archer’s return. His ability to generate pace and movement has often troubled top-order batters in both red- and white-ball formats.
Archer has played 13 Tests so far, taking 42 wickets at an average of 31.04. While his workload will be managed carefully, his inclusion adds depth to England’s seam options.
England Squad for the 2nd Test vs India
Here is England’s 15-member squad for the 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
India Face a Tough Challenge
With Archer back in the lineup, India will be preparing to counter a stronger England attack. The second Test at Edgbaston offers them a chance to level the series before the action moves further north.
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