Jofra Archer Gets Surprise Call

England Squad for India Second Test: Jofra Archer has been recalled to England’s Test squad for next week’s second match against India at Edgbaston, marking his return to the longest format after a prolonged injury layoff.

The 30-year-old fast bowler, once hailed as the spearhead of England’s attack, last featured in a Test match in early 2021. He returned to first-class action earlier this week, bowling 18 overs for Sussex against Durham and picking up the wicket of Emilio Gay.

Despite modest figures and limited overs under his belt, Archer has been added to the squad that beat India by five wickets at Headingley. His inclusion suggests England’s selectors are prepared to fast-track his reintroduction to Test cricket, even as voices within the domestic game urge restraint.

Sussex head coach and former England assistant Paul Farbrace questioned the timing of the call-up.

“Woakes knows Edgbaston inside out,” Farbrace said. “Why not give Jofra one more game off and bring him in for the third Test? He’s bowled just 18 overs. You don’t want to risk him again,” he said.

Archer’s career has been heavily punctuated by injury setbacks since his stellar breakthrough in 2019, when he helped secure England’s World Cup title and rattled Australia in that summer’s Ashes. Elbow surgery and a subsequent back stress fracture forced a long spell out of the game, restricting him to just 13 Test appearances in total.

His return has been cautious—until now. While England’s bowling stocks are healthy, Archer’s raw pace and ability to generate sharp bounce could prove tempting at Edgbaston, particularly on a surface known to reward fast bowlers.

Whether he plays next week remains to be seen, but his reappearance in the squad after four years is a clear signal: England are ready to bet again on one of their most mercurial quicks.