Jofra Archer returns as England announces squad for 2nd Test vs India

England pacer Jofra Archer, who last played red-ball cricket in May 2021, made his comeback in the ongoing County Championship for Sussex against Durham in the last round. Now, he has been included in the England Test squad for the second Test vs India.

Notably, England will take on India in the second Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham, scheduled to start on Wednesday, July 2. Archer will join the likes of Jamie Overton, Sam Cook, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue in the squad.

Most recently, Archer asserted that the mental challenge of playing the longest format of the game would be the toughest aspect to adapt to. He added that now his body can hold up to it.

"It felt all right today. I've been playing for a year, and bowling for two years, including the build-up, so everything is fine,” Archer said.

"Now it's a different challenge, because I know my body can hold up to it. The mental part of the game [will be tough]. Over the next couple of days, I'm going to have to battle a bit with it, but it's all good. It's a new challenge, and I'll keep trucking along,” he added.

Interestingly, Josh Tongue was England’s most successful bowler in the Leeds Test, which England won by five wickets in the 371-run chase in the fourth innings with 7/158 figures. On the other hand, Ben Stokes took five wickets, with Brydon Carse scalping four wickets.

Woakes, who played his first Test since December 2024, could scalp only one wicket, conceding 148 runs. However, he is expected to continue to be a part of the playing XI after missing the start of the season with an ankle injury.

England squad for 2nd Test vs India: Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at BetBarter and download the BetBarter app to start betting today!