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After taking an early 1-0 lead in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in Leeds, England will next take on India in the second Test, set to be played at the Edgbaston in Birmingham from July 2 to 6. However, the Three Lions on Thursday, June 26 announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming Test match, Jofra Archer’s inclusion was a notable surprise.
The return of Archer not only boasts the England line-up, but with him being named in the side, he finally made his return after a long wait of four years. However, his inclusion in the playing XI has since then been in talks, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Managing Director Rob Key recently dropped a big hint on the same.
He will play at least one of the next two Tests: Rob Key breaks silence on Jofra Archer
While his participation is one of the debatable topics, Key recently dropped a big hint on the prospect of right-arm seamer’s participation in the Edgbaston Test. "I would imagine [that he will play at least one of the next two Tests]. As I stand here now, that's where it's heading, but who knows? He could bowl the first ball of the [Edgbaston] Test. All options are available," Key said as quoted from Sky Sports.
His statement comes after the 30-year-old’s recent appearance coming in County Championship match, where Archer scalped a wicket and struck 31 runs with the bat. Speaking of managing the bowlers, Rob Key further added, "We have to be careful with all of our bowlers but if you didn't want bowlers to get injured you would never play them. That's not what it's about. It's about getting your bowlers out there as much as possible so they can impact games of cricket.”
It is to be noted that if Archer fails to make the cut in the XI for the second Test, he would return to his County club and could appear in final stages of Sussex’s next fixture at home against Warwickshire. "There is a chance he could play in the Championship if we think that is the best thing or it might be that if he doesn't play at Edgbaston having him around is the best thing," Key further added.
England’s 15-member squad for second Test match against India
Ben Stokes (c), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Shoaib Bashir, Josh Tongue, Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton
