Jofra Archer Poised for Return in Second Test Against India
Jofra Archer's Comeback
Fast bowler Jofra Archer from England is set to participate in the second Test against India, commencing on July 2. He is scheduled to play a County Championship match for Sussex in Durham. The absence of Archer and Mark Wood has left England's bowling lineup looking vulnerable during the first Test of the series against India.
According to a report from Sky Sports, Archer is expected to make his return to red-ball cricket with Sussex, although he was not initially included in the squad for the County Championship match. If he successfully plays, he could be included in the team for the second Test at Edgbaston against India.
The England and Wales Cricket Board has confirmed Archer's inclusion in the Sussex team for the County match. Having not played first-class cricket for four years due to injuries, Archer, who plays for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025, is eager to return to the game.
Since 2021, Archer has not participated in red-ball cricket for England, making his potential return significant for the team. England captain Ben Stokes mentioned earlier this month that Archer is keen to re-enter the red-ball format.
Stokes noted that Archer often messages him for advice, and he has encouraged Archer to take his time, considering the injuries he has faced. His return would be an exciting development for England, and there is hope that he will be available for selection in Test cricket.
In the ongoing first Test between India and England in Leeds, the home team managed to recover by the end of the second day. India began the day at 359 runs with three wickets down. Following centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant also scored a hundred. At one point, India reached 430 runs, but after Gill's dismissal, the team was bowled out for 471. Both Stokes and Tong took four wickets each.
On the batting front for England, Ollie Pope scored his second consecutive Test century, remaining unbeaten at 100 runs. By the end of the second day, England had posted 209 runs with three wickets down, all taken by Jasprit Bumrah.