England call Jofra Archer into squad for second Test against India at Edgbaston

England's cricket team has made a significant decision by including Jofra Archer in their squad for the second Test against India at Edgbaston, set to take place next week. This marks Archer's return to the Test setup for the first time since February 2021, following a lengthy injury hiatus. His inclusion comes after a successful outing in a red-ball match for Sussex against Durham, where he played for the first time in 1,501 days. Despite concerns over his limited bowling in red-ball cricket, with only 18 overs bowled prior to this selection, Archer's talent and previous performances have led to his fast-tracking into the squad. The team is looking to rebound from a five-wicket defeat to India in the opening Test at Headingley, and Archer's addition aims to bolster their bowling attack at Edgbaston.

Interestingly, Archer's call-up has sparked discussions regarding team selection strategy. Paul Farbrace, the head coach of Sussex, suggested that it might be wiser to reserve Archer for the third Test, given the team's recent victory at Headingley and the familiarity Chris Woakes has with the Edgbaston pitch. Farbrace emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency within the team, especially after a successful outing. The England squad features a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents, with Ben Stokes leading the team as captain. Archer's return is particularly noteworthy given his previous achievements, including a standout performance during the 2019 ODI World Cup and his contributions in the Ashes series. However, his career has been marred by injuries, including a long-term elbow issue and a stress fracture in his back, which have limited his appearances to just 13 Test caps over six years. As the team prepares for the crucial second Test, all eyes will be on Archer to see if he can recapture his past form and contribute significantly to England's efforts against India.