Jofra Archer took another step towards making his long-awaited return to Test cricket as he was named in England’s squad for the second match of the ENG vs IND Test series, starting at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on July 2.
Archer last played red-ball cricket for England in February 2021, when he turned up against India, in Ahmedabad. Since then, a series of injuries have kept him out of action.
The pacer only started playing regular white-ball cricket for England in 2024 but is yet to feature in an international Test match following his return.
He was initially in contention for the first Test at Headingley but was ruled out due to a thumb injury sustained last month. England went on to win that match by five wickets and lead the five-match series 1-0.
The 30-year-old’s inclusion is the only change to the England squad that secured a five-wicket victory. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the 15-member squad on Thursday.
Archer has picked up 42 wickets from 13 Tests at an average of 31.04, including two six-wicket hauls during the 2019 Ashes series. His raw pace has been an asset for England whenever fit.
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Earlier this week, Archer made a red-ball return with Sussex in the County Championship against Durham - his first first-class appearance in four years.
He impressed with figures of 1/32 from 18 overs in the first innings, dismissing opener Emilio Gay lbw. Sussex did not bowl in the second innings.
Archer, who plays for the Rajasthan Royals, featured in 12 matches in IPL 2025, claiming 11 wickets. He was among the quickest bowlers in the tournament, clocking a top speed of 152.3 kmph against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.
The third Test will be played at Lord’s from July 10–14, followed by the fourth at Old Trafford (July 23–27) and the fifth at The Oval (July 31–August 4).
England squad for second 2025 Test vs India
England cricket team: Ben Stokes (captain), 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 and Chris Woakes.
