Ind vs Eng 2nd Test: Jofra Archer included in England`s squad

England`s fierce pacer Jofra Archer has been included in the squad for the second Test match against Team India.

The pacer has marked his return to the Test side after four years. The pacer featured in the first-class match during Sussex`s County Championship game against Durham. He claimed one wicket by conceding 32 runs in 18 overs.

In the ongoing five-match Test series against Team India, the `Three Lions` have taken a lead of 1-0 after registering a comfortable win by five wickets in the series opener.

Heading into the second Test match, one of the major concerns for the visitors will be the feature of their lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah. The pacer in the first Test match claimed five wickets in the first innings, but was not able to bag any wickets in the second essay. Other Team India bowlers as well were struggling to get wickets in the second innings.

As earlier it was communicated by head coach Gautam Gambhir that Bumrah will play only three Test matches, the rest of two matches will be a matter of concern for India`s think tank.

In both innings of the first Test match, Team India`s lower-order failed to score runs. Now, as England will get a boost after the inclusion of Jofra Archer, the lower-order performance may come under scrutiny for the remainder of the series.

Coming to Archer`s return, he featured in the first-class match during Sussex`s County Championship match against Durham. He claimed one wicket by conceding 32 runs in 18 overs.

The 30-year-old pacer will be shouldered by Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and skipper Ben Stokes in England`s pace department.

The `Three Lions` will lock horns against the Shubman Gill-led side for the second Test match, which is scheduled to be played from July 2 at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham. The young Indian side will look to bounce back after falling short of clinching victory despite stunning performances in the opener.

England squad: Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.

(With ICC Inputs)

This article first appeared on Mid Day