Nasser Hussain Calls Jofra Archer’s Inclusion in England Squad for Second India Test a “Gamble Worth Taking”

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has weighed in on Jofra Archer’s surprise return to the England Test squad, calling it a “gamble worth taking” as the fast bowler eyes a comeback in the second Test against India at Edgbaston starting July 2. Archer’s selection marks his first inclusion in a Test squad since February 2021, following an extended absence due to recurring elbow and back injuries.

England, currently leading the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 1-0 after a five-wicket win in Leeds, named an otherwise unchanged squad for the Edgbaston clash. The inclusion of Archer has sparked discussion around team balance and risk management, with Hussain expressing cautious optimism about the move.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Hussain said, “Firstly, you have to say it’s good news for Archer and England. Jofra must have been through so much—the rehab, the pain, the mental torment of continually getting injured and making comebacks—so it’s great to see him back in the squad. He hasn’t played a Test match in four years. Fundamentally, if you’re an England fan, you should be pleased to see Jofra Archer back in a red-ball squad.”

While supportive of the decision to bring Archer back, the former England skipper acknowledged the physical toll the game has taken on the pacer. “I think it’s too much of a risk this week, but it may have gone so well—I don’t know Jofra Archer’s body—that they say ‘we’ll play you this week’. Then the problem is, who do you leave out? I do think it is a gamble worth taking, I just don’t know if it’s worth taking this week. I would do it a week after at Lord’s,” Hussain added.

Archer recently returned to red-ball cricket, featuring in a County Championship match for Sussex against Durham at Chester-le-Street. In that game, he scored 31 runs and bowled 18 overs, conceding just 32 runs and taking one wicket. The match ended in a draw, but Archer’s rhythm and fitness offered promising signs for England’s management.

The 30-year-old quick has represented England in 13 Test matches, claiming 42 wickets at an average of 31.04. His best bowling figures in the format are 6 for 45. If selected in the final playing XI for the second Test, Archer will be returning to the Test arena after a four-year absence, looking to reinvigorate his red-ball career.

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.