England recalls pace bowler Jofra Archer to bolster Test squad against India at Edgbaston after four-year red-ball absence

Just when fans thought England’s Test squad had settled into a rhythm, a familiar and fiery face is back in the mix.

Jofra Archer, the speedster known for his blistering pace and game-changing spells, has officially been recalled for England’s upcoming Test against India.

And yes, it’s been a while—over four years, to be exact—since Archer last featured in a red-ball game at the international level.

Back in the Spotlight After Years Away

Archer, now 30, made a quiet but determined return to first-class cricket earlier this week.

Representing Sussex against Durham, he bowled 18 overs in the only innings Sussex took the field—and that was enough to catch the eye of England’s selectors.

While the numbers weren’t earth-shattering, the rhythm and energy he showed were encouraging signs for a bowler who’s battled injuries and long absences.

A Glimpse of the Old Fire

The last time Archer donned the whites in a Test match was way back in February 2021.

He grabbed his most recent Test wicket in Ahmedabad, dismissing none other than Shubman Gill, who now leads the Indian side.

Fast forward to this week, and Archer was seen troubling Durham batters with his trademark bounce and aggression, ending the match with figures of 1 for 32.

Not bad for a man easing back into the grind.

Mixed Reactions on a Swift Comeback

Not everyone thinks bringing Archer back so soon is a great idea, though.

His current coach at Sussex, Paul Farbrace—who also has experience with England’s coaching setup—believes caution would be the better path.

According to Farbrace, the plan was to let Archer play this game, see how he felt afterward, and then decide.

His personal take? Hold off for now.

“If it were up to me, I wouldn’t rush him back for the next Test,” Farbrace said.

“I’d give him another week or so and maybe bring him in for the third match of the series. But that’s just my opinion.”

Options Galore for England’s Attack

With Archer now part of the squad, England suddenly has an abundance of pace options heading into the second of five Tests.

Chris Woakes, though experienced and familiar with the Edgbaston pitch, looked off his game during the Headingley Test.

Brydon Carse showed improvement in the second innings, and Josh Tongue—despite being inconsistent—tore through the tail on both occasions, delivering short, destructive spells that turned the tide.

Depth in the Squad

And it doesn’t stop there.

England still has Sam Cook from Essex and Jamie Overton from Surrey in reserve, giving the selectors plenty of bowling choices.

With five intense Tests crammed into just seven weeks, managing workloads and picking the right combination will be key.

What Comes Next?

So, what’s the next move for England?

Will they unleash Archer right away or take the more cautious route suggested by Farbrace?

Whatever happens, the return of one of England’s most exciting bowlers has added a spark to an already thrilling series.

Stay tuned—the next Test at Edgbaston promises to be a fiery one.