ENG vs IND, 2nd Test: Jofra Archer Returns To England Test Squad After Four-Year Wait

The England Cricket Board (ECB) has announced its squad for the second Test against India, which is to start on July 2 at Edgbaston. The most talked-about pacer, Jofra Archer, is back in the Test squad after four long years, boosting their bowling lineupmore as compared to the first Test at Leeds. The team did not make any other changes in the squad; Sam Cook and Jacob Betthel are back on the team after being released to play county cricket midway through the first test.

Archer made his way to play first-class cricket for Sussex against Durham in Chester-le-Street this week in response to proving his fitness for red-ball cricket. He bowled almost 18 overs in the game and got a wicket to his name. The 30-year-old expressed confidence in his game once again and said that the challenge further will now be a mental battle against India, which he is confident that he will be winning for sure.

He said,

"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."

Archer last played a Test match for England against India in Ahmedabad in February 2021, played a total of 13 Tests, and picked up 4 wickets.

ENGLAND SQUAD FOR 2ND TEST AGAINST INDIA

Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bettehl, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.

Currently, England is leading in the five-match Test series against India with 1-0, and as Jofra Archer boosts up England's bowling lineupin the second Test, there's a big blow for Team India as Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss the second Test.