Jofra Archer ruled out of 2nd Test vs India, comeback delayed by..

Jofra Archer has been named in England's 15-man squad for the second Test of the ongoing five-match series against India at Edgbaston, beginning on July 2. The 30-year-old fast bowler has received a call-up to the Test side for the first time since February 2021, as injuries had sidelined him from the format.

Jofra Archer is the only change to England’s squad for the second Test against India, following their five-wicket win in the series opener at Leeds on June 24. Archer has taken 42 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 31.04. He has picked up four wickets in two Tests against India at an average of 30.50.

Jofra Archer Likely to Miss 2nd Test vs India at Edgbaston

After recovering from injury, Jofra Archer made his comeback in a County Championship match for Sussex against Durham. He is in contention for a place in the playing XI as Ben Stokes’ side aim for an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match Test series against India.

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With frontline pacers Gus Atkinson and Mark Wood still sidelined, Archer’s return is a boost for England. The hosts had picked Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Chris Woakes along with Ben Stokes to form their pace attack in the first Test.

England are likely to stick with the same playing XI for the second Test, according to a report by RevSportz. The team management may allow Jofra Archer more time to prepare for a possible return in the third Test at Lord’s.

"England may opt to retain the same XI for Edgbaston. With the Headingley victory reducing the need for immediate changes, England can afford to give Archer time to prepare for a potential Lord’s return," the report read.

Jofra Archer Unlikely to Play All Four Remaining Tests in Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

Jofra Archer may not feature in the second Test at Edgbaston, as hot weather and a likely dry, flat pitch could reduce his impact. With temperatures expected between 25–31°C, conditions are not expected to favour fast bowlers.

Notably, Archer has never played a Test at Edgbaston and has managed just two wickets from two ODIs at the venue. England are expected to manage Archer’s workload carefully, as he is unlikely to play all four remaining Tests in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

The team management might pick him in just a couple of matches to help him prepare for future key series, such as the Ashes. Archer might remain with the squad and aim for a return in the third Test at Lord’s, where he made his memorable debut in 2019.

Jofra Archer Has Not Featured in a Test Since 2021

Archer has not played a Test match since 2021. He showed signs of form in a recent County Championship match for Sussex, where he bowled 18 overs in the first innings.

Making a comeback to the Test arena after four years is challenging, especially against a strong Indian batting lineup. Archer played for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 2025 IPL, where he had a mixed campaign before picking up another injury.

Archer could face a heavier burden in the England side, especially if Edgbaston offers a flat pitch. India have batted over 200 overs in the first Test, and England’s aggressive approach could limit his recovery time between innings.

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