Former England speedster Stuart Broad reckons that the Ben Stokes-led side should rest their tearaway Jofra Archer ahead of the fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India at The Oval. Archer made his Test comeback after a long gap of four years, in the third Test against India at Lords, London.
Following a long gap, Archer had plenty of rest, and England decided to stick with him in the fourth Test in Manchester. Since being reinforced into the team, Archer has bowled 88.3 overs, testing the speed gun with his scorching pace and returned with nine wickets at 28.66.
England are currently leading 2-1 after the fourth Test ended in a draw after brilliant centuries from Shubman Gill (103), Washington Sundar (101*) and Ravindra Jadeja (107*). With India still alive in the gruelling contest, England are stuck in a dilemma, whether to continue with Archer or manage his workload.
As the fifth Test match will take place after three days, Broad believes that England should reintroduce Gus Atkinson and allow Archer to rest. Apart from the 30-year-old, Broad feels Josh Tongue should come in for Brydon Carse, who looked "knackered" at Old Trafford.
"I think Gus Atkinson has to play. I know he has not had any workload, but we need to see him. He hasn't been really challenged against top-level opposition in Test cricket yet. [Brydon] Carse looked knackered in the fourth Test. He has been a trier and given absolutely everything, but looks like his legs have left him for this series, so Atkinson gets the nod," Broad said as quoted from Sky Sports.
"[Josh] Tongue started the series, and I know he mainly got lower-order players out, but you probably have a natural replacement for Archer. We can't not have Archer for four years, bring him back and then bowl him into the ground and not see him for another four years," he added.
England squad for 5th Test: Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.