June 6, IND vs ENG: England national selector Luke Wright has said that star fast bowler Joffra Archer, who played his last match in the traditional format four years ago, could return for the team’s second Test match against India next month. The second Test of the five-match series will be played at Edgbaston from July 2 to 6. At the same time, this series is going to start from June 20. The first match will be played in Leeds.
England’s Fast Bowling Concerns
30-year-old fast bowler Archer has not played first-class cricket since 2021 due to multiple injuries and was not even considered for selection in the team for the first Test at Headingley as he is trying to recover from a thumb fracture during the recently concluded IPL. Wright said, ‘Joff (Archer) is recovering quite well. The plan is for him to play some first-class matches. Be part of Sussex’s second team and then play for Sussex against Durham during the first Test.
He said, ‘If all goes well, he will play for Sussex and then if all goes well, hopefully he will be available for the second Test.’ Archer’s former teammate in Sussex, Wright, said, ‘Like all other bowlers, he has to perform well every day without any hindrance, but if all goes well and he is successful in the Durham match, he can potentially be available for selection in the second Test.
He also missed England’s ODI series against the West Indies between May 29 and June 3 due to a thumb injury. In the absence of Archer and fast bowler Mark Wood, England’s fast bowling department looks somewhat weak in terms of ability and experience. Wood is away from cricket due to a knee injury suffered in March.
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