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Since playing his last Test for England against India in February 2021, Archer has played only one red-ball match, and Nasser wants England to not rush Archer’s comeback.
Jofra Archer last played a Test match for England in February 2021. (Picture Credit: Sportzpics)
Fast bowler Jofra Archer on Thursday (June 26) was included in England’s 15-member squad for the second Test against India, which is set to take place at Edgbaston in Birmingham from July 2 to 6. Archer, who has 42 wickets to his name in 13 Tests played so far, last made a red-ball appearance for England in February 2021 against India. Since then he has only played one red-ball match (for Sussex against Durham from June 22 to 25, 2025).
Former England captain Nasser Hussain, who has now donned the hat of an expert and commentator, is happy to see Archer back in the England Test team, but he has warned the England captain, Ben Stokes, to not rush him for the second Test against India.
“Firstly, you have to say it’s good news for Archer and England. Jof must have been through so much with those (elbow and back injuries), the rehab, and the mental torment of continually getting injured and making comebacks, so it’s great to see him back in the squad; he hasn’t played a Test match for four years,” former England captain Nasser Hussain told Sky Sports News.
“Fundamentally if you’re an England fan, you should be pleased to see Jofra Archer back in a red ball squad,” Hussain added.
According to Nasser, selecting Archer for the second Test may be premature given his recent return from injury.
“I think it’s too much of a risk this week, but it may have gone so well—I don’t know Jofra Archer’s body—it may have gone so well that they say, ‘We’ll play you this week.’ Then the problem is, who do you leave out?” he said.
“I do think it is a gamble worth taking; I just don’t know if it’s worth taking this week. I would do it a week after at Lord’s,” he added.
Nasser feels since England has waited for Archer for so long, it is wise to wait for another week just to make sure he is fully fit.
“What is the hurry when we’ve waited so long? Why not wait another week just to make sure?”
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