Jofra Archer’s inclusion in the second Test match against India would be a big risk, according to former England captain Nasser Hussain. After missing the last four years of Test matches due to a string of ailments, Archer has been called up to the England setup.
He played for Sussex on Sunday, marking his comeback to first-class cricket, and has since been selected for England’s squad for the second Test, which is scheduled to start on July 2. Although supporters will be happy to see Archer return to the red-ball team, Hussain pointed out that the pacer may find it difficult to adjust to the Test system after such a lengthy absence.
“First of all, it’s good news for Archer and England because Jof hasn’t played in a Test match for four years. He must have endured a lot with those [back and elbow] injuries, the rehabilitation, the pain, and the mental anguish of constantly getting hurt and making comebacks. It’s wonderful to see him back in the squad. In essence, Jofra Archer’s return to the red ball squad should please any England supporter, Hussain told Sky Sports.
Hussain advised that it could be dangerous for his body to choose the right-arm pacer for the Birmingham Test. He recommended giving him an extra week and thinking about using the Lord’s Test in its place.
I don’t know Jofra Archer’s health, but it might have gone so well that they said, ‘We’ll play you this week.’ I think it’s too much of a danger this week. The issue then becomes, “Who do you exclude?” “Hussain said.”
“I don’t know if it’s worth taking this week, but I do believe it’s a risk worth taking. At Lord’s, I would do it a week later. He recently bowled 18 overs this week, marking his first-class comeback for Sussex in four years. Because of his raw pace, he is a box office success. Unfortunately for him, though, it has been a long time since he was completely fit. Thus, it’s a risk,” he continued.
Archer is among the best in the world when he is in peak physical condition.
Hussain listed three ways to deal with Archer’s return: either play him straight at Edgbaston or leave him at Sussex for extra playing time. Additionally, he stated that the team should include him so that many practice sessions can gauge his preparedness.
“With him, they had three options for decisions. I believe they play Warwickshire on Sunday in the County Championship, so leave him at Sussex to play before selecting him for the upcoming Test match at Lord’s. the’s problematic because he won’t have played for four years and will have played three games in three weeks, including the Lord’s Test,” Hussain stated.
“They might choose to pick him and play him at Edgbaston as an alternative. Or include him in the team, give him some overs every morning, lunch, and tea after a game, and see how he’s doing,” he continued.
The former cricket player who is now a commentator questioned the need to hasten Archer’s comeback and said it could be best to hold out for another week. He agreed that they need to determine whether Archer can handle the two upcoming Test matches and acknowledged England’s emphasis on the long term, especially the Ashes.
“After all this time, why are we in such a rush? Just to be sure, why not wait another week? Of course, they also have an eye towards the future. Edgbaston, Lord’s, and this series are not the only topics. They would love to have Archer involved down under, and we know what’s coming up next. Fast bowling is risky and requires a lot of effort. They’re ready to take the risk, and I believe they need to do it before winter arrives. They need to see if Jofra can survive perhaps two of these next four Test matches,” he said.
India
