Former England pacer Stuart Broad has suggested that Jofra Archer should be rested for the fifth and final Test against India at the Kia Oval, cautioning against overworking the injury-prone fast bowler after back-to-back appearances.
Broad believes it’s the right time to give Gus Atkinson, who is yet to play a game in the series, a chance in the playing XI for the decider.
Archer made his return to Test cricket in the Lord’s match, where he picked up five wickets, followed by his appearance in Manchester, where he added four more to his tally. However, with the Ashes series just four months away, Broad has warned England against overusing Archer, especially given his long injury history.
“We can’t not have Archer for four years, bring him back, and then bowl him into the ground and not see him for another four years,” Broad told Sky Sports.
Broad proposed a replacement for the Sussex-based pacer, suggesting that Atkinson, who is yet to be given a significant responsibility, should be given the opportunity.
“I think Gus Atkinson has to play. I know he has not had any workload, but we need to see him. He hasn’t really been challenged against top-level opposition in Test cricket yet,” he added.
Broad also highlighted the physical toll the series has taken on England’s pace attack and believes that a fit and fresh player like Atkinson would be a valuable addition to the squad.
“[Brydon] Carse looked knackered in the fourth Test. He’s been a trier and given absolutely everything, but it looks like his legs have gone. So Atkinson gets the nod,” he said.
With both India and England pushing hard to take the series, Broad emphasised the importance of long-term planning, particularly when it comes to managing bowlers like Archer.
“This is a big Test, but so is the Ashes. England must think long-term. Pushing Jofra now could come at a serious cost later,” he concluded.
With the series on the line, England and India will face off at The Oval from 31 July to 4 August in the fifth and final Test.
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