Jofra Archer has played under England coach Brendon McCullum in white-ball cricket this year but not in the red-ball format England retained Jofra Archer in their squad for the second Test because it is "very important" for him to become acquainted with the squad, captain Ben Stokes says. Archer, 30, was called into England's Test squad for the first time in four years after a series of injuries but left out of the final XI for the match, which starts on Wednesday. The fast bowler has played only one red-ball match since May 2021 and could have been released to play for Sussex in the County Championship this week but will instead stay with England's squad. "When someone has been out of the environment for so long - and the last time they were in that environment it was so completely different - for me personally and Baz [England coach Brendon McCullum] as well, we felt if he didn't play it was important to have Jof around the group, around the people," Stokes told the BBC. "Having him back in the squad is great but we want him to play a part in the series and going forward with this group." Since taking over in 2022, Stokes and McCullum have revolutionised England's Test cricket with a positive, sometimes relaxed, approach. Archer - one of England's most exciting debutants in a generation in 2019 - last played a Test in February 2021, when Joe Root was captain and Chris Silverwood coach. That Test was the last time Archer bowled in two innings of a red-ball match. He played for Sussex against Durham last week and took 1-32 in 18 overs in the first innings but Durham did not bat a second time as the match ended in a draw. "You can't really control how a first-class game will go," Stokes said. "Here he can come and bowl. He can help out the lads. He can get used to the environment again and when the opportunity does come he is comfortable in it. "There are benefits to both situations and at the end of the day me and Baz decided one what we thought was best for Jof." Having missed England's training on Monday because of a "family emergency", Archer had a lengthy bowl in the nets on Tuesday. He bowled a long spell at Stokes, challenged the England captain on a number of occasions and with only three days between this Test and the third at Lord's could make his Test return next week. "He's got the ball swinging quite nicely and effortless pace," Stokes said. "It's been a while since I faced him so it was a little bit of a wake-up call for me." While England's decision to hold back Archer means they have an unchanged XI from their win in the first Test at Headingley, India's side remains uncertain. Captain Shubman Gill said star bowler Jasprit Bumrah is "available" but a decision on whether he will play will be made on Tuesday evening as hemanages his return from a back injury. The questions do not end there. Gill appeared to suggest the tourists will bring in a second spinner, off-spinner Washington Sundar or wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, but the decision is complicated by their weak lower-order after their final four wickets added only 29 runs across two innings combined in Leeds. Kuldeep would provide a greater wicket-taking threat but Washington greater batting depth. "If we are able to go with four or five premier bowlers with a sixth bowling option and have batting to seven or eight, that would be a good combination," Gill said. India, who have not won any of their eight men's Tests at Edgbaston, could also bring in batting all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who scored a century in Australia during the winter and bowls gentle right-arm seam.
Archer kept on to bond with England squad as India mull changes
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Jofra Archer Retained in England Squad for Second Test as India Considers Lineup Changes"
Bbc News
8.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Jofra Archer has been retained in England's squad for the upcoming second Test match, emphasizing the importance of his reintegration into the team environment, according to captain Ben Stokes. Archer, who has not played a Test match in over two years due to injuries, was called up for this Test but will not be included in the playing XI. Instead, he will remain with the squad to reacquaint himself with the team dynamics and training regimen, which have evolved since his last appearance. Stokes highlighted the significance of having Archer around, especially given his long absence from the Test format, stating that both he and coach Brendon McCullum believe it is beneficial for Archer to be part of the group, even if he does not play immediately. Archer's last red-ball game was in February 2021, and he recently bowled for Sussex, taking one wicket in a match that ended in a draw. Stokes noted that the decision to keep Archer was made with his long-term development in mind, allowing him to regain comfort in the environment before potentially playing again in the near future.
As England prepares for the Test, their lineup remains unchanged from their previous victory, while India faces uncertainty regarding their selection. Indian captain Shubman Gill confirmed that star bowler Jasprit Bumrah is available for selection but will make a final decision regarding his participation based on his recovery from a back injury. Gill also indicated that India may consider introducing a second spinner to their attack, with options including Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav. The choice is complicated by India's lower-order batting struggles, which were highlighted in their last match where the final four wickets contributed only 29 runs. Gill expressed the desire for a balanced team composition with strong bowling options complemented by sufficient batting depth, as India seeks to improve their historically poor record at Edgbaston, where they have not won any of their eight Tests.
TruthLens AI Analysis
You need to be a member to generate the AI analysis for this article.
Log In to Generate AnalysisNot a member yet? Register for free.