Jofra Archer’s selection for the second Test match against India at Edgbaston in Birmingham, which begins on July 2, has drawn criticism from former England captain Nasser Hussain. According to Hussain, selecting Archer would put the hosts in a difficult selection situation in addition to being a gamble given his level of fitness.
The Barbadian returned to first-class cricket, starring for Sussex against Durham in the County Championship Division One. In Durham’s lone batting innings, he dismissed Emilio Gay for 37 after sending down 18 overs. He has been added to the squad to play India in Birmingham even though he hasn’t played a Test since 2021.
Speaking to Sky Sports following England’s team announcement, the seasoned analyst warned that it is not worth taking the risk this week.
“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? 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.”
Nasser Hussain
The 57-year-old continued:
“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.”
Nasser Hussain
Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse shared 11 wickets between them in two innings during the first Test at Leeds, despite Chris Woakes taking few. Woakes did, however, contribute with a helpful 38 in the opening inning. Dropping either could therefore be dangerous.
“They would love to have Archer involved Down Under” – Nasser Hussain
Nasser Hussain also questioned why selectors were in such a hurry to get the 30-year-old back into the team, but he knows they want to test him before the Ashes later this year. He went on to say:
“What is the hurry when we’ve waited so long? Why not wait another week just to make sure? Obviously they’ve got one eye on the future as well. It’s not just about Edgbaston and Lord’s and this series.””We know what’s coming up next and they would love to have Archer involved Down Under. Bowling fast is hard work and it is a risk. It’s a risk they’re willing to take and I think they have to take before the winter, they have to find out can Jofra get through maybe two of these next four Test matches.”
Jofra Archer
In Leeds, England managed to chase down a challenging 371 with five wickets remaining.
