Nasser Hussain believes bringing Jofra Archer back into England’s playing XI for the Edgbaston Test could be risky and feels it might be better to wait until the Lord’s match for his return.
Former England skipper Nasser Hussain has warned against Jofra Archer’s potential inclusion in the second Test against India. Archer, who last played a Test in 2021, recently returned to first-class cricket with Sussex after battling recurring elbow and back injuries.
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While Hussain welcomed Archer’s comeback, he expressed concern about rushing him into matches. The ex-captain felt that including Archer just days after his return could be risky, especially with four more Tests to go. He suggested that the management should wait until the Lord’s Test to bring him into the playing XI.
“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,” Hussain said on Sky Sports.
“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?” he continued.
“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,” the former skipper added.
“What is the Hurry When We’ve Waited So Long?”
Nasser Hussain then stressed the importance of long-term planning, particularly with the Ashes looming. He noted the need to assess whether Archer can handle two Tests in the current series. After a four-year absence, rushing Archer could carry significant risk.
“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,” he said.
“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 if Jofra can get through maybe two of these next four Test matches,” Hussain concluded.
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Last Updated on June 27, 2025
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