Archer returns to England squad before second Test against India

The Sussex fast bowler has been added to the squad for the second Test against India at Edgbaston, which starts on July 2.

Archer has not played Test cricket for England since the tour of India in February 2021, enduring an injury nightmare that has seen him plagued by a succession of elbow, back and thumb issues.

However, the 30-year-old finally made his comeback to red-ball cricket this week, playing for Sussex in their County Championship draw against Durham.

Archer finished with figures of 1-32 and eight maidens in 18 total overs at Chester-le-Street, pinning opener Emilio Gay lbw before later making a rapid 31 runs from 34 deliveries with the bat.

That was enough to see him added straight into the England squad as he bids to finally resume his Test career at Edgbaston, despite Sussex coach Paul Farbrace warning that the selectors should be “careful” with regards to Archer’s fitness and save him for the third Test at Lord’s.

“I would be definitely sticking with Chris Woakes for Edgbaston because he knows the pitch inside out,” said former England assistant Farbrace. “Why change the team? They’ve just won the Test at Headingley.

“They’ve set themselves up nicely for the series. If I was in their situation, my honest answer would be that I would save him for the third Test match. You have to be careful that he’s only bowled 18 overs of red-ball cricket.”

Other than Archer’s inclusion, there are no other changes made to the England squad for the second Test against India. Jacob Bethell, Sam Cook and Jamie Overton are all retained despite not playing at Headingley.