IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Jofra Archer Returns to England Test Squad for Edgbaston Clash Against India

England have announced their squad for the second Test against India, with fast bowler Jofra Archer making a long-awaited return to red-ball international cricket after more than four years. The second Test of the five-match series is set to begin on July 2 at Edgbaston, with England holding a 1-0 lead following a thrilling five-wicket victory in Leeds.

Archer’s return adds a new dimension to England’s pace attack. The 30-year-old last featured in a Test match in February 2021 and has since battled a series of injuries. He recently made his red-ball comeback for Sussex in a four-day match against Durham, where he bowled 18 overs, conceding just 32 runs and claiming a wicket. He also chipped in with a 31-run cameo with the bat. Archer has taken 42 wickets in 13 Tests so far, with best bowling figures of 6 for 45.

Other than Archer’s inclusion, the England squad remains unchanged. The side will continue to be led by Ben Stokes, with the likes of Joe Root, Ollie Pope, and Ben Duckett forming the core batting unit. England’s bowling attack will feature a mix of experience and youth, including Chris Woakes, Josh Tongue, and Brydon Carse.

The first Test at Headingley set the tone for an intense series. India posted 471 in the first innings, powered by centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (101), captain Shubman Gill (147), and Rishabh Pant (134). Ben Stokes led England’s bowling effort with 4 for 66.

England responded strongly, putting up 465 with Ollie Pope scoring 106, Harry Brook narrowly missing a ton with 99, and Ben Duckett contributing 62. Jasprit Bumrah was the standout for India with a five-wicket haul.

India then built a commanding 370-run lead in the second innings, driven by centuries from KL Rahul (137) and Pant (118). Despite a collapse in the lower order, the score of 364 gave India a formidable target to defend. Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue claimed three wickets each to stall India’s charge.

In pursuit of 371, England were powered by a 188-run opening partnership between Zak Crawley (65) and Duckett, who went on to score a match-winning 149. After a mini-collapse, Joe Root (53*) and debutant Jamie Smith (44*) guided the hosts to a five-wicket win. Duckett was named Player of the Match for his brilliant century under pressure.

England Men’s Test squad for 2nd Test:

Ben Stokes (capt), Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.