England camp announces Jofra Archer's return date vs India

England spin bowling coach Jeetan Patel spoke about Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson’s fitness update following the second day of the Edgbaston Test. Patel confirmed that the two fast bowlers are fully fit and available for selection in the upcoming matches of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 series.

India ended Day 2 (Thursday, July 3) of the second Test in complete control after posting a massive 587 in their first innings. England struggled to gain momentum and closed the day at 77/3. Joe Root (18) and Harry Brook (30) remained unbeaten at the crease, trying to steady the innings after early setbacks.

It’s the Beauty of Having a Battery of Seamers - Jeetan Patel

Jeetan Patel said that Brydon Carse had an underwhelming performance in the first innings of the second Test, where the fast bowler picked up just one wicket for 83 runs in 24 overs.

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"Carse had two hard test matches, and fortunately, we've had a good break between the first and second Test, but it's the beauty of having a battery of seamers," he said in the post-day press conference.

With England’s bowling attack lacking experience in this Test, the return of a fully fit Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson could bolster their options for the remainder of the series.

Also Read: Jofra Archer to be heavily punished England Cricket!! Dark clouds over India series comeback

Jofra Archer Bowled Rockets at Lunch Today Again - Jeetan Patel

Jeetan Patel confirmed that Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson are now fully fit and available for selection in the remaining matches of the series. Patel revealed that Jofra Archer bowled at a high pace during a lunch session on the day, and Atkinson has likely regained full fitness.

"We've got some guys coming back into the squad. Namely, Joff bowled rockets at lunch today again, and Gus may be back at full fitness, and then you can start to rotate," he added.

Jofra Archer was named in England's squad for the second Test but did not feature in the playing XI, as the team retained the same lineup from the first match. He returned to red-ball cricket after nearly four years.

Earlier in the week, Archer played for Sussex in a four-day county match against Durham at Chester-le-Street, where he impressed with both bat and ball. He scored 31 runs and recorded bowling figures of 1 for 32 in 18 overs, as the game ended in a draw.

Shubman Gill Smashes Maiden Double Century in Tests

India resumed Day 2 of the Edgbaston Test at 310/5, with Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja continuing their overnight partnership. The pair added 203 runs for the sixth wicket, taking India well past the 400-run mark. Josh Tongue dismissed Jadeja for 89 runs just before lunch.

Gill then added a 144-run partnership with Washington Sundar, who scored 42 runs. He went on to register his maiden double-century and finished his knock with 269 off 387 balls - the highest individual Test score by an Indian captain.

In response, Akash Deep picked up two wickets in an over, while Mohammed Siraj added another to reduce England to 25/3. Joe Root and Harry Brook steadied the innings before stumps on Day 2.

Also Read: Revealed- Why Jofra Archer wasn't picked for 2nd Test vs India; When will he return?