WATCH NOW: Paul Coyte discusses the latest sports news June 30 2025
Jofra Archer's return to Test cricket has been delayed
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Jofra Archer missed England's training session at Edgbaston on Monday due to a family emergency, delaying his potential Test comeback after four years away from the format.
The 30-year-old fast bowler is expected to rejoin the squad on Tuesday ahead of the second Test against India, which starts on Wednesday.
England have named an unchanged team for the match, meaning Archer will have to wait longer for his return.
The pace bowler was called up to the squad following England's five-wicket victory in the series opener at Headingley last week.
England beat India last week with Ben Duckett scoring a sensational 149 runs
Captain Ben Stokes will lead the same XI that secured the thrilling win in Leeds.
Archer has not played Test cricket since February 2021, with his career derailed by a series of back and elbow injuries.
The Sussex bowler made his red-ball return last week in the County Championship against Durham, bowling 18 overs and taking one wicket.
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Jofra Archer has not played Test cricket since February 2021
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It was his first red-ball match since May 2021, marking a significant milestone in his recovery.
The 30-year-old has been carefully managed through white-ball cricket as he worked his way back to fitness.
Both Michael Vaughan and Sussex coach Paul Farbrace have urged caution about rushing Archer back to Test cricket after such limited first-class bowling.
Fellow England bowler Chris Woakes expressed his excitement about Archer's return to the squad, saying: "Brilliant for Jof, brilliant for us as a team. It is a big boost to have him back.
"When Jof is around he adds a lot to the group, not only as a player but as a person and as a character.
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"He's obviously had a tough journey over the last few years with his injuries and it's credit to him the hard work he's put in to be back in this position to be able to hopefully play Test cricket again.
"His best is probably still ahead of him. I'm sure he's chomping at the bit to get back out there and show people what he has already done in the whites."
England will look to extend their lead at Edgbaston, where India have never won in eight Test matches since 1967.
The tourists have lost seven and drawn one at the Birmingham venue.
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Chris Woakes said Jofra Archer's best cricket is 'still ahead of him' after torrid luck with injuries
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India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah is available for selection, though the team may opt to rest him depending on conditions.
The tourists have committed to playing Bumrah in only three of the five Tests, and he featured in their defeat at Headingley.
The third Test begins at Lord's on July 10, leaving a short turnaround between matches.
England's unchanged side means Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue and Woakes will again lead the seam attack.