England receive major boost as key pacer added to squad for second Test against India

England have received a major boost ahead of the second Test against India as right-arm fast bowler Jofra Archer has been added to their squad. 

The second Test match is set to take place at Edgbaston from July 2 to 6.

This marks Archer’s potential return to red-ball cricket after more than four years. He last featured in a Test match in February 2021, during England’s tour of India, where he played the third game of the series in Ahmedabad. Since then, his career has been hampered by a recurring elbow injury followed by a back stress fracture, limiting his international appearances to just seven white-ball matches until 2024.

The 30-year-old recently made his long-awaited return to first-class cricket, representing Sussex in a County Championship Division 1 match against Durham. He bowled 18 overs and picked up one wicket in a match that ended in a draw.

Speaking after the second day’s play of that match, Archer acknowledged the mental and physical challenges of playing multi-day cricket but remained optimistic.

"It felt all right today," Archer said. 

"I've been playing for a year, and bowling for two years, including the build-up, so everything is fine. Now it's a different challenge, because I know my body can hold up to it. The mental part of the game [will be tough]. Over the next couple of days, I'm going to have to battle a bit with it, but it's all good. It's a new challenge, and I'll keep trucking along," he added. 

England lead the five-match series 1-0 after clinching a five-wicket win in the opening Test in Leeds. Archer's inclusion is the only change made by the hosts as they look to extend their advantage.

However, competition for a place in the playing XI remains strong, with the pace attack already featuring Jamie Overton, Sam Cook, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue.

England Test squad for second Test:

Ben Stokes (captain), 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.