Jofra Archer England Test Return: A Long-Awaited Boost for the Squad
The highly anticipated Jofra Archer England Test Return has finally materialized, with the fiery pacer being named as the 15th member of England’s squad for the second Test against India. This marks a long-awaited comeback to the England Test side for Archer, four years after he last played a red-ball game for his country in February 2021. His inclusion is the sole change to the squad that secured a thrilling five-wicket victory in the first Test at Headingley. This move signals England’s intent to bolster their pace attack with one of the most exciting and impactful bowlers in world cricket.
Archer’s journey back to Test cricket has been a testament to his resilience, overcoming a career riddled with persistent injuries since his Test debut in the 2019 Ashes. Despite playing only 13 Tests so far, he has managed to claim 42 wickets at an average of 31.02, showcasing his immense talent whenever fit. His last Test appearance was also against India, in Ahmedabad in 2021, where he had a minimal role due to injury, picking up 1-24 from four overs in the first innings and not bowling at all in the second.
First-Class Comeback and Impact on the Squad
Crucially, Archer made his first-class comeback just this week in a County Championship game for Sussex against Durham. In that match, he bowled in the only innings, picking up 1-32 from 18 overs, and also contributed a cameo of 31 with the bat. While a modest return statistically, simply getting through a four-day game unscathed was a massive step in his recovery and a key prerequisite for his Jofra Archer England Test Return. Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace even urged caution, suggesting he might be saved for the third Test, but national selector Luke Wright indicated Archer would be available if he came through the county game.
ON TOP OF THE WORLD 🦁 pic.twitter.com/CrpaPCfx1o
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) November 13, 2022
In the first Test of the ongoing series, England’s fast bowling attack comprised of Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and skipper Ben Stokes. With Archer’s inclusion, it remains to be seen who he could replace in the playing XI, or if England will opt for an extra seamer, particularly at Edgbaston, a venue that often assists pace. Chris Woakes, who knows Edgbaston well, and the impactful Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse will be vying for spots alongside the returning Archer.
Upcoming Tests and Squad Details
The second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series is set to begin on July 2 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. This will be followed by the third Test at Lord’s from July 10, the fourth at Old Trafford from July 23, and the fifth and final Test at The Oval from July 31. The series promises to be a gripping contest, and Archer’s availability could prove to be a significant factor.
England squad for second Test vs India: Ben Stokes (c), 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.
The Jofra Archer England Test Return is not just about adding another bowler; it’s about the psychological boost he provides, his ability to generate extreme pace and bounce, and his proven track record of unsettling opposition batsmen. His presence could inject a new dynamic into England’s bowling plans as they look to build on their early series lead against a strong Indian side. The cricket world will be keenly watching to see if he features at Edgbaston and how quickly he can rediscover his formidable Test match rhythm.
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