England announces strong squad for 2nd Test vs India

England speedster Jofra Archer is all set for a comeback as he has been included in England’s Test squad for the second game against India in the five-match Test series. Notably, Archer made his red ball return after four years.

It’s important to note that England will lock horns with India in the second Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham, scheduled to start on Wednesday, July 2. Archer will join other players like Jamie Overton, Sam Cook, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue in the squad.

During the County game against Durham, Archer stated that the mental challenge of playing the longest format of the game would be the toughest aspect to adapt to. However, he reckoned that now his body can hold up to it.

"It felt all right today. I've been playing for a year, and bowling for two years, including the build-up, so everything is fine,” Archer said.

"Now it's a different challenge, because I know my body can hold up to it. The mental part of the game [will be tough]. Over the next couple of days, I'm going to have to battle a bit with it, but it's all good. It's a new challenge, and I'll keep trucking along,” he added.

It’s worth noting that England pacer Josh Tongue was the team’s most successful bowler in the Leeds Test, which England won by five wickets in the 371-run chase in the fourth innings with 7/158 figures. Meanwhile, Ben Stokes scalped five wickets, with Brydon Carse pocketing four wickets.

Woakes, who played his first Test since December 2024, could scalp only one scalp, giving away 148 runs. However, he is expected to continue in the playing XI after missing the start of the season with an ankle injury.

England squad for 2nd Test: Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.

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