Former England captain Michael Vaughan has argued that Jofra Archer should not be picked in England’s playing XI for the second Test against India at Edgbaston. Archer recently returned to first-class cricket, playing a four-day game for Sussex, his first appearance in the format in nearly four years, in an attempt to prove his health for a Test comeback. The right-arm pacer hasn’t played a Test since 2021.
Earlier this month, England selector Luke Wright stated that if Archer successfully completed the four-day game, he may be considered for selection in the second Test, which begins on July 2.
“The good thing is that Jofra Archer is back in the equation – but I’d like to see him play another four-day game,” Vaughan remarked on BBC Test Match Special.
“He hasn’t played the longer format in four years, so why rush him back after only one game for Sussex against Durham? We are aware that the intensity at the Test match level differs significantly from that of county cricket. Allow him to play another four-day game; I would stick with the same lineup as long as the bowlers are fit and there are no niggles,” he added.
The 30-year-old bowler returned with 1 for 32 from 18 overs in Durham’s first innings, taking just opener Emilio Gay’s wicket. Archer rose to fame in 2019 after bowling the Super Over in England’s successful home World Cup campaign, and he then took 22 wickets in four Ashes Tests at an average of 20.27.
Sussex are scheduled to play another County Championship encounter against Warwickshire on Sunday, which will coincide with the second Test. Vaughan has encouraged the bowlers who appeared in the first Test to keep their spots, arguing that Archer should not be pushed back into the team.
“Let Josh Tongue, the hoover, do it again in Edgbaston. Chris Woakes needs more runs, but Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse have been outstanding. “They’re 1-0 up, they’ve played some great cricket, so keep it up,” Vaughan said.
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