Jofra Archer selection ahead of second India Test a ‘gamble’ for England, says Nasser Hussain | Cricket News

slickJune 26, 2025

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The inclusion of Jofra Archer in the England team for the second test against India is a “bet”, explains former captain Nasser Hussain.

Archer is recalled in England installed after a litany of injuries held him out of the test team in the past four years.

He only returned to first class cricket last Sunday when he played for Sussex and was now selected as part of the England team for the second test from Wednesday in Edgbaston, live Sky Sports From 10 a.m. (first ball 11am).

Former England captain Hussain said Sky Sports News: “First of all, you must say that this is good news for Archer and England in that the Jof had to go through so much with those [elbow and back injuries]The rehabilitation, the pain, the mental torment to injure itself continuously and to make feedback, so it’s great to see him again in the team, he has not played a test match for four years.

“Basically, if you are a fan of England, you should be delighted to see Jofra Archer again in a red ball team.”

But Hussain warned that his selection for the second test is dangerous. “I think it’s too much a risk this week, but it can be so well passed – I do not know the body of Jofra Archer – it can have passed so well that they say” we will play you this week “. So the problem is that you leave aside?” He said.

“I think it’s a bet is worth it, I don’t know if it’s worth taking this week. I would do it a week later at Lord’s.

“He has just made his first class return for Sussex for four years this week when he overturned 18 letters. When Archer is fully fit, he is one of the best in the world. He is absolutely at the box office, he has this raw rhythm. But unfortunately for him, he has not been completely fit for a very long time. So it’s a bet.”

He explained the factors considered. “They could have made three decisions with him. Leave it to Sussex to play another county championship match, I think they play on Sunday in Warwickshire, then choose it for Lord for the next test. The problem with this is when he will have played three games in three weeks, this Lord test, his third, having not played for four years,” said Hussain.

“Another option is to choose and play it, which they might do in Edgbaston. Or choose it in the squad, put on the legs in your legs every morning, every noon, each tea after the game and take a look to what extent it is.

“What is the haste when we waited so long? Why not wait for another week just to make sure? Obviously, they also have an eye on the future. It is not only about Edgbaston and Lord’s and this series. We know what’s going on and they would like Archer is involved below.

“Bowling Fast is difficult work and it is a risk. It is a risk that they are ready to take and I think they have to take before winter, they must discover that Jofra can perhaps cross two of these next four test games.”

The good call?

Another former captain, David Gower, thought thater was rushed.

Gower said Sky Sports News: “You have to face the facts on which he was injured, he was exploited, the elbow was embarrassing. He played a game for Sussex and when you had a guy with this kind of injury story, in my book, you must see him or see him play with three or four games, perhaps for Sussex and see how he does not do to ensure that the fitness levels should be reaction not to make the day.

“There is also the adage that you don’t have to change the winning side,” added Gower. “I would not rush Jofra at this stage.”