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Despite getting included in England's squad for the second Test against India, Jofra Archer wasn't able to get a spot in the playing XI as the side made no changes to the team that emerged victorious at Headingley in the first Test. Notably, the pacer hasn't featured for the Three Lions in the longest format since 2021 when he played against India in Ahmedabad.
England may not have picked him in the team for the second Test, but after the heavy 336-run drubbing at Edgbaston, they might end up changing their minds and bring Archer into the playing XI for the first time in over four years.
Archer may get a chance to play in third Test
Following the debacle in Birmingham, England captain Ben Stokes gave his verdict on whether Archer will get a chance in the playing XI for the third Test at Lord's or not. The all-rounder remarked that they will have to take care of the 30-year-old's workload in order for him to have a chance of playing the upcoming match in London which is set to commence from July 10.
“That'll be a decision we have to make, seeing how everyone comes together. We’ve had him here this week to get around the group and build him up with his workloads and everything. So, everyone’s being considered for the game at Lord’s,” Stokes said in the post-match press-conference.
Archer has so far only featured in 13 Tests in his career. He has taken a total of 42 scalps in red-ball cricket including three 5-wicket-hauls. In contrast, the pacer has played significantly more matches in the white-ball formats, featuring in 31 ODIs and 34 T20Is. He has also achieved decent success in both of them, picking up 54 and 41 wickets in the two formats respectively.
It remains to be seen what changes will England make to their playing XI for the third Test and if they will include Archer in it as well. The match at Lord's will be highly important as with the series level at 1-1, both the teams will be looking to secure a lead heading into the fourth Test at Old Trafford.
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