“He is absolute box office, but I think it’s too much of a risk” - Nasser Hussain doesn’t want Jofra Archer to play 2nd Test vs India

Former England captain and commentator Nasser Hussain has stated that Jofra Archer’s inclusion in the playing XI for the second Test wouldn’t be a good idea as he hasn’t been fully fit for a long time. 

Notably, England will take on India in the second Test of the five-match series at Edgbaston in Birmingham, starting on Wednesday, July 2. Interestingly, Archer made his first-class return for Sussex after four years, bowling 18 overs against Durham in the County Championship, scalping only one wicket.

"Firstly you have to say it's good news for Archer and England in that Jof must have been through so much with those [elbow and back injuries], the rehab, the pain, 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. Fundamentally, if you're an England fan, you should be pleased to see Jofra Archer back in a red ball squad," said Hussain to Sky Sports.

Furthermore, Hussain wants Archer to be a part of the Sussex set-up for one more week and play the next game against Warwickshire before making it to the England playing XI for the Lord’s Test in London.

"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?" Hussain added.

"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's only just made his first-class comeback for Sussex for four years this week, where he bowled 18 overs. When Archer's fully fit, he is one of the best in the world. He is absolutely box office; he has that raw pace. But unfortunately for him, he hasn't been fully fit for a very long time. So it is a gamble," he concluded.

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