England Retains Winning XI for Second Test Against India at Edgbaston

England's Squad Announcement for the Second Test

The England cricket team has confirmed its lineup for the upcoming second Test against India, scheduled for Wednesday at Edgbaston. The team has chosen to maintain the same squad that triumphed in the first Test. Despite speculation regarding Jofra Archer's potential return, the management opted to keep the victorious team unchanged.

In the first Test held at Headingley, England executed a remarkable chase, amassing 371 runs in the fourth innings to clinch the win. Key performances included Ben Duckett's impressive 149 runs and Ollie Pope's 106, giving England a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Jofra Archer's Situation

Jofra Archer, the fast bowler for England, was absent from the training session on Monday at Edgbaston due to a family emergency. However, it is reported that he is expected to rejoin the squad on Tuesday, just a day before the match.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) released a statement on Monday:

“Men's fast bowler Jofra Archer will not be joining the England Test squad for today's training session at Edgbaston, Monday 30 June, due to a family emergency. He is expected to rejoin the squad tomorrow, Tuesday.”

Archer missed the first Test but was included in the squad last week for the remainder of the series. He has faced challenges in recent years due to an elbow injury affecting his bowling arm, with his last Test appearance dating back over four years to 2021 against India in Ahmedabad.

England's Lineup for the Second Test

The selected players for England's second Test against India are: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Shoaib Bashir.

With the confidence gained from their comprehensive victory in the first Test, England aims to carry this momentum into Edgbaston, seeking to establish a 2-0 lead in the series.