England add muscle, experience to the squad
Following an impressive 5-wicket win in the opening Test, England have added muscle and, more importantly, experience to their bowling attack. Despite a historic triumph in Leeds, the home side lacked penetration and cutting edge in their bowling line-up, which conceded a whopping 835 runs.
Archer’s inclusion is a clear statement of intent to improve their game in that aspect. The right-arm pacer last featured in a Test in February 2021, when he played against India in Ahmedabad. During the four-year period of absence from red-ball cricket, Archer suffered injuries to his elbow and back.
Following an intense rehab process, Archer returned to red-ball action for Sussex after a gap of 1501 days. England expects him to be fully fit and available for the Ashes Down Under later this year, which makes the India series a kind of audition for the fast bowler.
Archer believes he is currently free from workload management.
Archer’s return is a major sign of worry for the Indian batting line-up, which, except for the top-order, collapsed twice in Leeds against an inexperienced English bowling attack. Archer’s extra pace and bounce will add more depth and lethality to the English bowling line-up.
England squad for 2nd India Test
Ben Stokes (C), Jacob Bethell, Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Jofra Archer, Sam Cook, Jamie Overton, Shoaib Bashir.
