In a major boost for the England cricket team ahead of their second Test match against India, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a 15-member squad featuring the return of pacer Jofra Archer, who has been added to the Test setup after a four-year hiatus. This high-profile return has stirred excitement among fans and analysts, as Archer’s inclusion significantly strengthens England’s pace attack.

The second Test of the ongoing India vs England series is scheduled to take place at Edgbaston from July 2, and this match carries added importance for both sides. While England secured a five-wicket win in the first Test, India will be looking to bounce back, and Archer’s comeback could prove decisive in maintaining England's dominance.

Jofra Archer’s comeback: From injury setbacks to red-ball return

Jofra Archer, now 30, last played a Test match in 2021 against India in Ahmedabad. Since then, he has struggled with a string of serious injuries, including elbow and back problems, which forced him to miss several international assignments over the past few years. In fact, his injury concerns kept him out of the Champions Trophy 2025, and the ECB has been extremely cautious in managing his return to top-flight cricket.

However, recent performances indicate that Archer may finally be ready for a sustained run in red-ball cricket. Earlier this season, he featured for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025, although he missed the final phase due to a thumb injury. After recovering, he returned to domestic red-ball action, representing Sussex in County cricket, where he bowled 18 overs, conceding just 32 runs and taking one wicket. Impressively, he also contributed with the bat, scoring 31 runs — proof that his all-round fitness and form are improving.

Based on these performances and his ability to bowl long spells without discomfort, the England team management has shown confidence in bringing him back to the Test squad. Archer’s inclusion is a strategic move, considering India’s vulnerability against high-quality pace attacks in overseas conditions.

No other changes in the England squad

Apart from Jofra Archer’s inclusion, the ECB has retained the rest of the squad that played in the first Test. The team, led by Ben Stokes, put up a commanding performance in the opening match and is likely to stick with a winning combination, with Archer expected to replace Brydon Carse in the final playing XI.

The England Men's Test Squad for the second Test is as follows:

• Ben Stokes (Durham) – Captain

• Jofra Archer (Sussex)

• Shoaib Bashir (Somerset)

• Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire)

• Harry Brook (Yorkshire)

• Brydon Carse (Durham)

• Sam Cook (Essex)

• Zak Crawley (Kent)

• Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)

• Jamie Overton (Surrey)

• Ollie Pope (Surrey)

• Joe Root (Yorkshire)

• Jamie Smith (Surrey)

• Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)

• Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)

This balanced squad features a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, providing flexibility and depth across all departments. With Joe Root anchoring the batting, and Stokes, Woakes, and now Archer leading the bowling unit, England looks well-equipped to challenge India again at Edgbaston.

Archer’s return and what it means for England

Jofra Archer’s return is not just symbolic; it’s a game-changing development for England's Test cricket fortunes. Known for his explosive pace, ability to extract bounce, and control over seam movement, Archer has previously been England’s go-to bowler in pressure situations. His iconic spells during the 2019 Ashes and World Cup are still remembered for their intensity and impact.

His presence could pose serious questions to an Indian batting lineup that, despite its strength, struggled against England's seam attack in the first Test. With Archer replacing Carse, England now has greater versatility, allowing them to rotate bowlers effectively, manage workloads, and maintain sustained pressure on Indian batters.

Archer’s successful return would also boost England’s red-ball revival plans under the leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, where aggressive tactics, fearless cricket, and dynamic squad rotation have become central themes.

India under pressure after first Test loss

On the other side, India will come into the second Test with concerns, especially regarding the batting collapse in the second innings of the first match, where they failed to capitalise on a strong position. While Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill will be expected to bounce back, the prospect of facing a fresh Jofra Archer in his home conditions could complicate matters further.

India’s bowling, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin, performed admirably in patches, but the English lower middle order's resistance, particularly from Jamie Overton and Ollie Pope, helped England chase down the target with five wickets in hand.

The team selection for India will be under scrutiny as they look to counter England’s evolving strategy, and possibly prepare for swing-friendly conditions at Edgbaston with changes in their batting or bowling line-up.

Match Preview and Expectations

The Edgbaston Test, beginning July 2, promises to be a high-octane contest. With Archer back in the mix, England’s bowling arsenal is recharged, and their confidence from the first Test win sets the tone for a possible series lead. For India, it’s a must-win to stay alive in the series and prove their ability to compete in foreign conditions.

Archer’s return will be closely watched not just for the immediate impact, but also as a litmus test for his long-term future in Test cricket. After years of rehabilitation, false starts, and near returns, this is Archer’s biggest red-ball opportunity yet — and possibly a decisive moment in the trajectory of England's pace bowling legacy.

As anticipation builds for the second Test, fans across the globe are waiting to see whether Jofra Archer can once again become the X-factor England desperately missed in recent years. If he hits top gear, India’s batters will face one of the sternest challenges in recent memory.

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