In recent statements, Luke Wright, the national selector for England, has hinted that Jofra Archer may make his comeback for the second Test against India.
Archer has been sidelined due to a thumb injury that caused him to miss the ODI series against the West Indies held from May 29 to June 3.
He was also left out of the initial 15-player squad for the England Lions’ red-ball match against India A, which took place on June 6. Additionally, he was not included in the lineup for England’s first Test against India.
Notably, Archer hasn’t participated in a first-class match for four years and has only played 13 Test matches, with his last appearance in India during February 2021. Following his extensive injury struggles, England has been reintroducing him to international cricket via white-ball formats.
England is eager for him to join their pace attack in Australia later this year as they aim to clinch the Ashes abroad for the first time since the 2010/11 series.
Archer’s potential return appears promising, as he could be “available” for the second Test scheduled from Wednesday, July 2, to Sunday, July 6, at Edgbaston, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
“Jof’s making significant progress. He’s scheduled to play in a few second-team matches,” remarked Wright.
“The plan is for him to represent Sussex against Durham on the 23rd, coinciding with the first Test. If everything goes smoothly, he could be in contention for the second Test,” he explained.
“As with all bowlers, he needs to stay on track and avoid setbacks. If he makes it through the Durham game unscathed, he’ll potentially be selected for that second Test.”
Mark Wood Targets Return in Upcoming Tests
Mark Wood, another key player, has faced long-term injury issues after suffering a knee injury in March which sidelined him for four months.
This injury occurred during England’s ICC Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan in Lahore, resulting in increased stiffness and discomfort.
Wood has recently started light training and is aiming for a return later in the Test series, and Wright has provided updates regarding bowler Olly Stone as well.
“Woody has begun light bowling and that’s a positive sign,” Wright noted. “He may have the opportunity to play in the fourth or fifth Tests, but it depends on his daily progress.”
As the summer of 2025 unfolds, England will host a series of Test matches, and fans eagerly anticipate the return of these talented bowlers. The upcoming schedule includes:
England Men’s Tests This Summer ☀️
All matches start at 11 a.m. UK and Ireland; all live on Sky Sports
- May 22-25: Defeated Zimbabwe by an innings and 45 runs
- vs India: Friday, June 20 – Tuesday, June 24 – Headingley
- vs India: Wednesday, July 2 – Sunday, July 6 – Edgbaston
- vs India: Thursday, July 10 – Monday, July 14 – Lord’s
- vs India: Wednesday, July 23 – Sunday, July 27 – Old Trafford
- vs India: Thursday, July 31 – Monday, August 4 – The Kia Oval