England selectors recall Jofra Archer to Test squad after four-year injury absence but experts advise caution ahead of Edgbaston match

After four long years away from Test cricket, Jofra Archer is finally back in the England squad—and that alone is cause for celebration.

But should he be thrown straight into action at Edgbaston? Personally, I’d hold off just a little longer and aim for his big return at Lord’s instead.

Archer’s Comeback Is Huge—but Let’s Not Rush It

There’s no denying how exciting it is to see Archer back.

He’s had a frustrating journey through injuries, and seeing him bowl again—like he did this week for Sussex—reminds everyone just how special a player he is.

He bowled 18 tight, economical overs against Durham, and clearly, the England selectors believe he’s fit enough to return.

But this is his first red-ball match since 2021.

That’s a long gap, and Test cricket is a different beast altogether.

There’s no need to rush him. Sussex are due to play again this weekend, and even their head coach Paul Farbrace has said he wouldn’t consider picking Archer for the second Test. That alone should tell you something.

The Big Selection Dilemma—Who Misses Out?

Even if you wanted to play him at Edgbaston, who would you drop?

Chris Woakes is always better as a series goes on, and let’s not forget—Edgbaston is his home turf.

Josh Tongue did an excellent job cleaning up India’s tail, an area where England have struggled for years.

And Brydon Carse? His opening spell in India’s second innings at Headingley was top-class.

All three made valuable contributions. None of them deserve to be benched just to fit in a returning player, no matter how talented.

Archer Needs to Build Up Gradually

The smart play here is to ease Jofra in. Keep him around the squad at Edgbaston.

Let him bowl in the nets, build up his workload between sessions, and reacclimatize to the rhythm of Test cricket.

That way, he’s in the zone when England head to Lord’s.

Mark Wood made a good point recently—players like him and Archer shouldn’t expect to just walk back into the team.

They have to prove they’re ready. In this case, we’re trusting the medical team and Jofra’s own confidence, but there’s no shame in being cautious.

England Might Want More Firepower Against India

Yes, India’s top order was impressive in the first Test.

They scored five individual centuries, and England may feel they need a little extra pace and edge to keep them in check. Archer has that in spades—not just speed, but skill.

His ability to change a game in a session is unmatched.

And while there may be concerns about whether Woakes can handle three Tests in a row coming off his own injury, Lord’s is a ground he thrives at. England will want him fit and firing for that one.

The Bigger Picture—Is Archer Ready for the Long Haul?

We’re all hoping that Jofra’s body can cope with the demands of Test cricket again.

But after such a long break, no amount of county overs or net sessions can fully prepare you for five days in the field.

Can he hit 90mph after a long shift? Can he bowl multiple spells and still look as sharp in his third as in his first?

That’s why I say give it just a few more days.

Let him settle, stay healthy, and get one more week of buildup. Then, at Lord’s, unleash him.

Archer at Lord’s Could Be the Moment We’ve All Waited For

He’s a generational talent—there’s no doubt about that.

And when he’s fully fit and firing, few in world cricket can match what Jofra Archer brings to the table.

So let’s not rush it. Let’s get him just right—then let him loose on India at the Home of Cricket.