It’s been a long wait, but Jofra Archer is finally back in the England Test squad – and that alone is something to celebrate.
After four injury-riddled years, he’s made a quiet but solid return to red-ball cricket with Sussex.
Naturally, the big question is: Should England throw him straight into the second Test at Edgbaston next week?
My take? As tempting as it is, it’s probably better to hold off just a little longer and aim for a big return at Lord’s in the third Test.
Archer’s Return Is a Big Boost – But There’s No Need to Rush
Yes, the excitement is understandable. Archer bowled 18 tidy overs for Sussex against Durham – a clear sign that he’s moving in the right direction.
And you wouldn’t expect England to name him in the squad unless they were confident he was fit.
But the reality is, this was his first proper red-ball match since 2021.
He needs to build his rhythm and confidence again – and that’s not something you want to fast-track at the risk of injury.
Sussex face Warwickshire in the Championship on Sunday, and their coach, Paul Farbrace, has even suggested he’s not quite ready for Edgbaston either. So, what’s the rush?
Who Would You Even Drop?
Let’s not forget, the bowlers who did the job at Headingley weren’t exactly slouches.
Chris Woakes is getting sharper by the game, and he thrives at Edgbaston – it’s his home turf after all.
Then there’s Josh Tongue, who absolutely demolished India’s tail in the first Test.
England have struggled with that for a while, so dropping him would feel like shooting yourself in the foot.
And Brydon Carse? His opening spell in the second innings was fire.
Each of them has earned their place – none feel droppable right now.
England Can Still Monitor Archer Without Throwing Him In
There’s a practical option here: keep Archer in the squad, let him bowl in the nets, monitor how his body reacts, and keep him mentally in tune with the group.
That way, you’re setting him up for success rather than pushing him too hard, too soon.
As Mark Wood rightly pointed out recently, no one – not even someone as talented as Archer – should expect to walk straight back into the starting XI.
And after such a long break, he needs time to show he’s truly ready.
Why Lord’s Could Be the Perfect Stage
England may be craving more bite up front after India’s batters piled on five centuries at Headingley.
Archer, with his raw pace and clever variations, is the kind of player who can rattle even the best top orders.
There are concerns about Woakes playing three Tests in a row, given his own injury return, but his record at Lord’s is superb.
It makes more sense to manage the load carefully – and use Lord’s as the comeback platform for Archer.
Test Cricket Is a Whole Other Beast
It’s one thing to look sharp in county cricket – but Test matches are a whole different level.
Can Archer sustain three intense spells across five days? Can his body hold up through a full day in the field under pressure?
We’re talking about a guy who could be a game-changer – a once-in-a-generation kind of bowler.
So why risk it all for one game, when a few more days of careful preparation could mean he returns to the big stage fully ready?
Let’s Save the Fireworks for Lord’s
So, yes, Archer is back. And that’s fantastic. But let’s not be in such a hurry to unleash him.
A fully fit, mentally sharp Archer at Lord’s? That’s a much smarter play – and one that could make all the difference as England look to extend their 1-0 lead in the series.
Let the man ease back. Then let him roar.