Archer's Test Return: England Weighs Risk vs. Reward in India Series

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has shared his thoughts on Jofra Archer's return to the England Test squad. While acknowledging it as a "gamble worth taking," he urges caution regarding his immediate inclusion in the playing XI for the second Test against India at Edgbaston.

Jofra Archer's potential return to Test cricket sparks debate.

Archer, whose last Test appearance was in February 2021, has been named in the squad for the second Test, commencing on July 2nd. The 30-year-old has faced a series of persistent elbow and back injuries in recent years. He recently made his return to red-ball cricket for Sussex, bowling 18 overs against Durham and securing figures of 1/32.

Hussain, in his discussion with Sky Sports, recognized the emotional and physical hardship of Archer's journey back to the team: "Firstly, you have to say it's good news for Archer and England. Jofra must have been through so much with those injuries, the rehab, the pain, the mental torment of continually getting injured and making comebacks. It's great to see him back in the squad, considering he hasn't played a Test match for four years."

However, the former captain advises against rushing Archer into the XI for the Edgbaston Test. "I think it's too much of a risk this week. It may have gone so well – and I don't know Jofra Archer's body – that they say, 'we'll play you this week'. But then the problem becomes, who do you leave out?"

Despite his reservations about immediate inclusion, Hussain remains optimistic about the long-term benefits of Archer's return. "I do think it is a gamble worth taking, I just don't know if it's worth taking this week. I would do it a week after at Lord's."

England currently leads the five-match series 1-0 after their five-wicket victory at Leeds. The remainder of the squad remains unchanged for Edgbaston.

England 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.