England have announced an unchanged XI for the second Test against India at Edgbaston, keeping Jofra Archer on the sidelines despite his return to the squad after a four-year absence.
The 30-year-old fast bowler, who has not played a Test match since 2021, missed Monday’s training session due to a family emergency and will rejoin the team in Birmingham on Tuesday.
Archer’s inclusion in the squad had sparked excitement among fans and pundits, but England have opted for caution, choosing not to rush him back into red-ball cricket. Instead, they will persist with the team that claimed a commanding victory in the opening Test at Headingley.
The England XI features openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, followed by Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, and captain Ben Stokes. Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith retains his place, with an all-pace attack of Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and off-spinner Shoaib Bashir.
Archer, who was instrumental in England’s 2019 Ashes and World Cup campaigns, has battled persistent elbow and back injuries over recent years. His return has been carefully managed, with a steady diet of white-ball appearances.
He played in a County Championship match for Sussex last week, bowling 18 overs and taking one wicket. Still, both former England skipper Michael Vaughan and Sussex coach Paul Farbrace have advised caution, noting Archer’s limited red-ball exposure.
Despite suggestions that Archer could return to action for Sussex in the final days of their Championship clash against Warwickshire, the England management has opted to keep him in Birmingham with the national squad, mindful of the short turnaround before the third Test at Lord’s on July 10.
Also staying with the squad are the non-playing members – Jacob Bethell, Sam Cook, and Jamie Overton – as England look to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Meanwhile, India may consider resting pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, despite his availability. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed the decision will hinge on pitch and weather conditions.
Bumrah is slated to play only three of the five Tests to manage his workload. The tourists are yet to win a Test at Edgbaston in eight previous attempts, losing seven and drawing one since 1967.
The second Test begins on Wednesday, with England aiming to consolidate their lead and India searching for a historic win on a ground that has consistently eluded them.
