- India,
- 26-Jun-2025 09:26 PM IST
IND vs ENG: After registering a spectacular victory in the first Test match against India, the England cricket team has intensified preparations for the second match. Just two days after the victory in Leeds, the England Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming Test, in which the most surprising name has been the much-awaited return of fast bowler Joffra Archer.Archer will return to Test after four yearsArcher, who has been away from Test cricket for the last four-five years due to constant injuries, is now ready to wear white clothes once again. He can be a part of the playing XI in the second Test starting from July 2 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. It is worth noting that Archer played his last Test against India as well - in February 2021. Since that match, elbow and back injuries kept him away from the field for a long time.Lack of experience felt in Leeds TestEngland's bowling looked somewhat weak in both innings of the Leeds Test. Especially against India's top and middle order, their bowlers could not create consistent pressure. In such a situation, the return of an experienced and fast bowler like Archer can give strength to the team.Proof of fitness in IPL and CountyAfter playing without any fitness problem in IPL 2025 and then bowling 18 overs for Sussex in the County Championship, Archer's return was almost certain. He took 1 wicket for 32 runs in that county match, but more important than that was his bowling the entire spell without any trouble. These signs proved to be enough for the England Board to select him.England's squad - for the second Test
- Ben Stokes (captain)
- Jofra Archer
- Shoaib Bashir
- Jacob Bethell
- Harry Brook
- Brydon Cars
- Sam Cook
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Jamie Overton
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith
- Josh Tongue
- Chris Woakes
