Should Jofra Archer Play for Sussex Before Lord’s Test?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jofra Archer needs more red-ball cricket experience.
- Michael Vaughan suggests he should play for Sussex first.
- Archer's return could strengthen England's bowling attack.
- The second Test against India is set for July 2.
- England leads the series 1-0.
New Delhi, June 25 (NationPress) Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes that Jofra Archer should not be included in the squad for the upcoming second Test against India at Edgbaston, scheduled for next week. He emphasized that the fast bowler requires more opportunities to play red-ball cricket for Sussex before being considered for the third Test at Lord’s, which begins on July 10.
During England's first match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India, which they won by five wickets at Headingley, Archer participated in a County Championship match for Sussex against Durham at Chester-le-Street. This marked his first first-class appearance since 2021, where he recorded figures of 1-32 over 18 overs.
“No. He’s had four years out of action; I don’t see what the rush is. Just give him a couple of games for Sussex and then bring him in for the match at Lord’s. I would stick with the bowling attack that has performed so well here at Leeds this week,” Vaughan stated in a video shared by the BBC on Wednesday.
With England currently leading the five-match series 1-0, the hosts have yet to confirm their squad for the second Test at Edgbaston on July 2. England skipper Ben Stokes expressed enthusiasm about Archer's return to red-ball cricket, saying, "It’s always great to see Jofra playing for England and Sussex. It’s been a long journey for him, and watching him with the red ball again is thrilling."
The potential for Archer to return to Test cricket bolsters England's bowling resources, which have been impacted by injuries during the ongoing series against India. His comeback also adds significant strength to the squad led by Stokes as they prepare for the five-match Ashes series in Australia later this year.
England is set to clash with India in the second Test at Edgbaston on July 2.