Fast bowler Jofra Archer is making a comeback, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on 26 June 2025 that Jofra Archer has been included in the England team for the second Test against India starting on 2 July.
This fast bowler is making a comeback in Test cricket for the first time since 2021.
Why is Archer considered a deadly bowler?
30-year-old Jofra Archer was out of the field for a long time due to an elbow injury and a back stress fracture. He did not play any Test after the India tour in 2021.
But now, fully fit and in form, Archer is ready to trouble the Indian batsmen with his speed at Edgbaston.
Recently he played first-class cricket after four years for Sussex in the County Championship, where he took 1 wicket for just 32 runs in 18 overs. This performance proved that he is all set to return.
The England team has taken a 1-0 lead in the series by defeating India by five wickets at Headingley in the first Test. The inclusion of Archer is England’s only change, and his presence has strengthened the bowling attack.
Archer has taken 42 wickets in 13 Tests so far, and now he seems to be in the mood to improve this record further.
Archer recently said, “The body is fine now, just have to deal with the mental challenge. It is not easy to play cricket for many days, but I am ready.”
Both the fans and the team management are excited because of his spirit.
At present, Ben Duckett’s century and Josh Tongue’s brilliant bowling in the first Test gave England victory. Now with Archer, England will aim to take a 2-0 lead in the series.
India will have to change their strategy, especially to face Archer’s fast balls.
England Team
England’s 15-member team includes players like Ben Stokes (captain), Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes, Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Jamie Smith.
This series against India is going to be more exciting now, because the combo of Archer’s speed and Stokes’ captaincy can create problems for India.
