Is playing Jofra Archer in the second India vs England Test the right move? Hussain doubts it

Gearing up to host India for a five-match Test series, England faced significant difficulties in forming their bowling attack. The home side was hit by multiple injury concerns as Ben Stokes and Co. scrambled to find their next best options. However, the side, with Chris Woakes leading a pace attack consisting of Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue, managed to win the opening India vs England Test. India's bowling attack, despite the great assistance of Jasprit Bumrah, fared worse than England's, thus costing the visitors the contest at Headingley. Now, as the teams prepare for the second Test in Birmingham, England has called up Jofra Archer to the squad.

Nasser Hussain skeptical of the hosts playing Jofra Archer in the second India vs England Test at Edgbaston

Put it on India’s poor fielding, toothless bowling attack, or the lack of accountability from the tail-enders, the visitors lost the opening India vs England Test despite piling five centuries in the match. England’s bowling attack, which was up for discussion ahead of the Headingley Test, evaded scrutiny following the team’s win. However, a positive update has followed the team ahead of the next Test at Edgbaston, as Jofra Archer has joined the squad for the second fixture.

Archer's selection marks a long-awaited return to the format, four years after his last appearance in 2021. The speedster had taken the cricket world by storm with his early exploits but was soon sidelined by a spate of injuries. Before the India vs England series, Jofra Archer stood at the edge of selection. However, the pacer was asked to test his readiness in a county game before earning the rope for the main squad. His recent outing for Sussex against Durham was his first First-Class game in years, raising both hopes and concerns about his readiness.

While his comeback has sparked excitement among fans and experts alike, former England skipper Nasser Hussain urged caution. He advised the team management against fast-tracking Archer into the playing XI for Birmingham. England is announcing their squad on a match-by-match basis. Hussain, meanwhile, has advised the hosts to play Archer the third Test at Lord's instead of hurrying the speedster into the combination for the Edgbaston Test.

“I think it’s too much of a risk this week but it may have gone so well, I don’t know Jofra Archer’s body, it may have gone so well that they say ‘we’ll play you this week’. Then the problem is who do you leave out?" Hussain said.

The former English skipper also pointed out key questions that need addressing. With just a single red-ball match under his belt this summer, where he managed only one wicket, there are doubts about whether Archer is match-fit for the rigours of Test cricket. Additionally, the selection puzzle includes deciding who would be dropped from England’s current pace battery to accommodate him.

“I do think it is a gamble worth taking, I just don’t know if it’s worth taking this week. I would do it a week after at Lord’s. He’s only just made his first-class comeback for Sussex for four years this week where he bowled 18 overs," Hussain explained.

"When Archer’s fully fit he is one of the best in the world. He is absolutely box office, he has that raw pace. But unfortunately for him he hasn’t been fully fit for a very long time. So it is a gamble. “What is the hurry when we’ve waited so long? Why not wait another week just to make sure," he concluded.