Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes Jofra Archer shouldn’t be rushed back into the Test squad for the second match against India at Edgbaston. Archer, who recently played his first red-ball match in four years, picked up 1/32 in 18 overs for Sussex against Durham. Although selectors hinted he might be available, Vaughan feels the timing isn’t right.
Vaughan Cautions England Against Rushing Archer’s Return
“The good thing is that Jofra is back in the equation — but I’d like to see him play another four-day game,” Vaughan said on BBC’s Test Match Special. “He’s not played the longer format for four years, so why, on the back of one game for Sussex against Durham, would you rush him back?”
He added that the pressure and intensity of Test cricket far exceed county matches. “Let him play another four-day game. I would go with the same line-up, as long as the bowlers are fine and there are no niggles.”
Farbrace Also Urges Patience With Archer
Sussex head coach and former England assistant Paul Farbrace echoed Vaughan’s concerns. Farbrace warned that although Archer looks sharp, the team must handle the pacer with care.
“If I was in their (selectors’) situation, my honest answer would be that I would save him for the third Test match,” Farbrace told The Guardian. “You have to be careful that he’s only bowled 18 overs of red-ball cricket.”
He continued, “Why change the team? They’ve just won the Test at Headingley. They’ve set themselves up nicely for the series. I would be definitely sticking with Chris Woakes for Edgbaston because he knows the pitch inside out.”
Farbrace admitted Archer looked in good rhythm and seemed composed, but reiterated caution. “Rather than playing back-to-back games and then straight into a Test match, probably the best scenario would be to not play in our game but be ready for the third Test. But that’s their call,” he said.
Jofra Archer rose to stardom in 2019 after bowling the World Cup-winning super over and taking 22 wickets in the Ashes. However, injuries—including an elbow problem and a stress fracture in his back—have repeatedly derailed his progress.
