Will not restrict Archer to 4-5 over spells, says Stokes

England captain Ben Stokes is not looking to confine comeback man Jofra Archer to four-five over spells as the pacer returns to the Test team after four and a half years.

- HT Correspondent

Archer was included in the squad for the Edgbaston Test but he did not make the playing XI. He, however, made the cut at the expense of Josh Tongue for the third Test that begins at Lord’s on Thursday.

Whether Stokes is looking to ease Archer in on his return and keep an eye on his fitness is a call he will take on the field, the English captain said on the match eve.

“That'll be a call made in the moment, as it is with anyone. If someone's looking dangerous, you might give them an extra over or two. But there are no set plans or restrictions — certainly not limiting him to four or five-over spells. We'll see how it plays out on the day,” Stokes said.