Jofra Archer shouldn’t be in the starting lineup for England’s second Test match against India at Edgbaston, according to former England captain Michael Vaughan. In an attempt to demonstrate that he is healthy enough to make a Test comeback, Archer recently returned to first-class cricket by playing in a four-day match for Sussex, his first appearance in the format in almost four years. Since 2021, the right-arm pacer has not participated in a Test match.
Luke Wright, an England selector, had hinted earlier this month that Jofra Archer would be considered for inclusion in the second Test, which is set to start on July 2, if he made it through the four-day match.
In the BBC Test Match Special, Vaughan stated, “I’d like to see Jofra Archer play another four-day game, but it’s good that he’s back in the equation.”
“Why would you rush him back after he played for Sussex against Durham, when he hasn’t played the longer format in four years? We are aware that county cricket and Test match intensity varies greatly. As long as the bowlers are healthy and there are no niggles, I would stick with the same lineup for him to play another four-day match,” he continued.
In Durham’s opening innings, the 30-year-old speedster returned with figures of 1 for 32 from 18 overs, taking just opener Emilio Gay as a wicket. Jofra Archer became well-known in 2019 after bowling the Super Over during England’s successful home World Cup campaign and later claiming 22 wickets at an average of 20.27 in four Ashes Test matches.
The second Test will coincide with Sussex’s start of another County Championship game against Warwickshire on Sunday. Archer shouldn’t be hurried back into the starting lineup, according to Vaughan, who has encouraged the bowlers who played in the first Test to keep their spots.
“The Hoover, Josh Tongue, permitted him to repeat that at Edgbaston. Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse have been outstanding, but Chris Woakes needs more runs. They’re ahead 1-0 and have played some excellent cricket, so keep it up,” Vaughan continued.
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