England Line Up Archer for Second Test Against India

Fast bowler returns to Sussex second XI before series as Woakes, Carse and Overton named in first-Test squad

- Ali Martin

Jofra Archer is being primed to make a comeback in the second Test against India at Edgbaston – his first appearance in whites for four years – with England's stable of fast bowlers under strain before the start of this summer's marquee series.

Naming a 14-man squad for the first Test at Headingley that starts on 20 June, Luke Wright, who is part of the selection panel, confirmed Gus Atkinson is ruled out with a hamstring injury. In come Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse and Jamie Overton, likewise Jacob Bethell to offer competition among the batting spots.

But perhaps more eye-catching was the news that Archer is back playing second XI cricket for Sussex with a view to turning out at Durham in the round of County Championship fixtures that begins on 22 June. Get through that game and, like Atkinson, the second Test in Birmingham could be a realistic target for a return.

"We know with Jof he's such a talent it doesn't take him too long to get up to speed," said Wright, outlining this comeback schedule. "We can assess it from there, how he's bowled, how he's feeling. If all goes well and Jofra gets through that Durham game, then he's available, potentially for selection for that second Test."