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Jofra Archer Returns to England Test Squad for Second Test Against India at Edgbaston
England Strengthen Pace Attack as Archer Eyes First Test Since 2021
England have officially included Jofra Archer in their squad for the second Test match against India, set to begin on July 2 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. This marks Archer’s return to red-ball cricket at the international level after more than three years, following an extended battle with injuries that had sidelined him since early 2021.
The second Test forms part of the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, and England lead the series 1-0 after a convincing five-wicket win in the opening game at Headingley, Leeds.
Jofra Archer’s Long-Awaited Comeback to Test Cricket
Recovered from Injury, Ready for Red-Ball Battle
Archer’s last appearance in Test cricket came in February 2021, also against India. Since then, the 30-year-old fast bowler has undergone a tumultuous recovery period that included multiple injury setbacks, most notably a stress fracture in his back that kept him out of action through much of 2022 and 2023.
After regaining fitness and returning to white-ball cricket for England in May 2024, Archer recently made his first-class return for Sussex in the County Championship clash against Durham. His inclusion for the Edgbaston Test is seen as both a strategic boost to England’s pace unit and a symbolic moment marking his red-ball comeback.
Read more on Jofra Archer’s injury timeline and recent domestic performances.
England’s Unchanged Core for Edgbaston Test
England have retained the rest of the squad that featured in the first Test in Leeds. Captain Ben Stokes continues to lead a youthful side bolstered by the experience of Joe Root, Chris Woakes, and Zak Crawley.
With Archer’s return, England now boast a potent pace attack that includes Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse, Jamie Overton, Sam Cook, and Chris Woakes — all capable of exploiting the traditionally pace-friendly Edgbaston surface.
England Squad for 2nd Test vs India
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Ben Stokes (captain)
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Jofra Archer
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Shoaib Bashir
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Jacob Bethell
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Harry Brook
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Brydon Carse
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Sam Cook
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Zak Crawley
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Ben Duckett
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Jamie Overton
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Ollie Pope
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Joe Root
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Jamie Smith
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Josh Tongue
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Chris Woakes
Remaining Fixtures in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025
Following the second Test, the series will continue with matches at:
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Lord’s (July 10–14)
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Old Trafford, Manchester (July 23–27)
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The Oval, London (July 31–August 4)
The trophy, named after legends James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar, celebrates the deep cricketing rivalry between England and India.
For live updates, stats, and full schedule, visit the official ECB site.
