England pace bowler Jofra Archer will not be included in the playing XI for the second Test against India, despite being called up to the squad. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has decided to name an unchanged line-up after the team's thrilling five-wicket victory in the series opener at Headingley.
Archer missed Monday's training session due to a family emergency but is expected to rejoin the squad on Tuesday at Edgbaston. The 30-year-old has not played Test cricket since February 2021 and recently featured in a County Championship match for Sussex against Durham, his first red-ball appearance in four years.
Fellow England bowler Chris Woakes expressed excitement about Archer's return to the Test setup. 'Brilliant for Jof, brilliant for us as a team. It is a big boost to have him back,' Woakes said. 'When Jof is around he adds a lot to the group, not only as a player but as a person and as a character.'
Woakes praised Archer's resilience through injury struggles, adding: 'He's obviously had a tough journey over the last few years with his injuries and it's credit to him the hard work he's put in to be back in this position. His best is probably still ahead of him.'
