Jofra Archer NOT TO play 2nd Test vs India? Rob Key drops bombshell

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) managing director Rob Key has made a massive revelation on the participation of the premier pacer Jofra Archer in the second Test match against the India National Cricket Team.

England are leading by 1-0 in the ongoing five-match Test series against India, and the second Test match between the teams will be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham from July 2 to 6.

Jofra Archer all set for Test comeback in India series

Recently, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the squad for the second Test match against the Shubman Gill-led side, and it featured the right-arm quick Jofra Archer.

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It was the first time that the pacer had made it to the England Test squad since March 2021. He last played a Test match for England in Ahmedabad against India in February 2021. After that, he had to miss out on a lot of matches for England as his elbow and back issues flared up.

He just recently made his comeback to first-class cricket for Sussex in the County Championship game against Durham, where he bowled 18 overs and picked up one wicket.

Overall, Archer has played just 13 Test matches for the England National Cricket Team and has picked up 42 wickets.

He could bowl the first ball of the [Edgbaston] Test - Rob Key

Speaking of Jofra Archer's selection in England's playing XI, Rob Key said that the pacer is highly likely to play either the second Test against India at Edgbaston or the third Test at Lord's. Key also floated the idea of Archer being sent back to play county matches if the team management thinks he is not fit.

"I would imagine [that he will play at least one of the next two Tests]. As I stand here now, that's where it's heading, but who knows? He could bowl the first ball of the [Edgbaston] Test. All options are available,” Key told Sky Sports.

“Yeah, so if he's not, there's a chance he can go back and play the last couple of games of the championship if we feel that's the best thing for him. It might be the case even if he doesn't play at Edgbaston that having him in and around is the best thing. But then he could walk out there and bowl the first ball of the test match. Who knows? All options are available,” he added.

To see him back will be brilliant - Rob Key

In another interaction, Rob Key lauded Jofra Archer as an 'unbelievable talent' and highlighted how the ECB mapped out plans for his return and managed his workload.

"To see him back will be brilliant. He's an unbelievable talent, and it's been such a long road. For two years now, [we've] mapped it out: from T20s and four-over spells, into 50-over cricket to build up his robustness, to now. He has been doing so much work in the lead-up - even when he's not playing - to building up that resilience to being able to play, because he's a serious talent," Key said at a Rothesay media event in London as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

Key also felt that Archer looked in great rhythm in his comeback match in first-class cricket at Chester-le-Street. He said:

"Jofra is such a talent. He was straight on the money. Bowling on a slow pitch, with good pace. He ain't gonna forget how to bowl, so when we have that call, we're not concerned. He will be fit and available for both [Tests]. Whether he could play both, we'll find that out afterwards, if he did play at Edgbaston."

Also Read: Shreyas Iyer given brutal ‘no chance’ verdict regarding India Test comeback