With Stuart Broad’s retirement, England’s seam bowling lineup enters a potential transitional period.
The team’s veteran fast bowler, James Anderson, is 41 years old, and his future in Test cricket is under scrutiny.
Additionally, Chris Woakes, at 34, has expressed his willingness to focus on home Tests.
Mark Wood, a valuable asset, also requires careful management due to his injury history.
As the team seeks to build a formidable pace attack, several contenders are vying to make their mark and secure a spot in the squad for the upcoming winter tour of India and beyond.
1. Sam Curran
Though Sam Curran hasn’t played a Test in the last two years, he remains a crucial player in England’s white-ball setup.
Recovering from a stress fracture during the emergence of “Bazball,” he has not been called up for Tests since.
However, in the absence of Ben Stokes as an all-rounder, Curran and Chris Woakes stand out as strong candidates to fill that role, primarily as a specialist batter.
2. Matthew Potts
Matthew Potts made his Test debut last summer, impressively taking 20 wickets in five matches after benefiting from an injury crisis in the squad.
However, his chances of joining the team for the subcontinent tour this winter appear uncertain.
Being left out of last year’s Pakistan tour has affected his standing in the pecking order, and his sole action this summer was against Ireland.
3. Saqib Mahmood
Despite making his Test debut during the West Indies tour that marked the end of Joe Root’s captaincy, Saqib Mahmood has faced injury setbacks, including a recurrence of a stress fracture recently.
His performance in the makeshift ODI side, led by Stokes during the pandemic summer, garnered praise, and England continues to monitor his progress.
Known for his 90mph bowling and prowess in reverse swing, Mahmood remains a promising candidate.
4. Olly Stone
Olly Stone has earned three Test caps over four years but has struggled with injuries during his sporadic appearances.
Initially expected to play a significant role in the Ashes rotation with Mark Wood, another injury hampered his chances.
Now, Stone is focused on recovering in time for the 50-over World Cup in India.
5. Brydon Carse
Brydon Carse, Stokes’s teammate from Durham, is yet to debut in Test cricket but has garnered attention and praise within the England setup.
Last year, he secured his first pace bowling development contract from the ECB.
Early in the summer, Carse was touted as a potential pace bowler option for the Ashes, but a side strain dashed his chances for a surprise call-up.
6. Jofra Archer
Jofra Archer remains a hopeful prospect, despite concerns about his persistent injury issues.
The 28-year-old is recovering from another stress fracture of the elbow, aiming to be fit for the World Cup.
By the time of the India tour, it will have been three years since his last Test appearance, leading to valid questions about his future in red-ball cricket.
Nevertheless, Archer maintains his desire to play Test cricket for England.