Jofra Archer will be joining England’s squad for the second Test of the ongoing series at Edgbaston. After a thrilling victory in the first Test against India at Headingley, England have added the pacer to their squad for the second clash.
However, former England captain Nasser Hussain has expressed concerns about Archer’s inclusion and suggested that the pacer should not be rushed back before the third Test match at Lord’s.
“I think it’s too much of a risk this week but it may have gone so well — I don’t know Jofra Archer’s body — it may have gone so well that they say ‘we’ll play you this week’. Then the problem is who do you leave out?” Hussain said on Sky Cricket.
Archer could be in line for his first Test since 2021
Hussain pointed out that Archer might need extra preparation to ensure the England team remains on the safe side with his fitness.
“I do think it is a gamble worth taking, I just don’t know if it’s worth taking this week. I would do it a week after at Lord’s. He’s only just made his first-class comeback for Sussex for four years this week where he bowled 18 overs. When Archer’s fully fit he is one of the best in the world. He is absolutely box office, he has that raw pace. But unfortunately for him he hasn’t been fully fit for a very long time. So it is a gamble,” he explained.
Archer is set for a possible return to Test cricket for the first time in four years, after recovering from multiple injuries. He had a breakthrough performance in 2021 but has remained out of the red-ball format since then. Last week, he made his return to first-class cricket in the County Championship, playing for Sussex against Durham.
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