Jofra Archer returns as England make two changes for 2nd T20I vs India
Synopsis
Jofra Archer is back in white-ball colours and Josh Tongue is about to earn his first T20I cap — England's two changes for the Old Trafford fixture are a clear statement of intent after rain stole the series opener. With Archer carrying 25 IPL wickets and a Player-of-the-Series Test award into this match, India's top order faces a significantly sterner examination than they did at Chester-le-Street.
Key Takeaways
Jofra Archer replaces Saqib Mahmood for the 2nd T20I vs India at Emirates Old Trafford on Saturday, 5 July 2026 .
Josh Tongue is set to make his T20I debut , coming in for Luke Wood .
The series opener at Chester-le-Street was washed out after India posted 189/7 , with half-centuries from Shreyas Iyer and Abhishek Sharma .
Archer was named Player of the Series in the recent Test series vs New Zealand, claiming 11 wickets at 22.81 in two matches.
Archer took 25 wickets in 16 IPL 2026 matches for Rajasthan Royals , finishing as their top wicket-taker.
Jofra Archer has been recalled to England's T20I squad as the hosts announced two changes to their playing XI for the second T20I against India at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester on Saturday, 5 July 2026. Josh Tongue is set to make his T20I debut in the same match, with England looking to build momentum after the series opener was washed out.
The Two Changes England Made
Archer comes in to replace Saqib Mahmood, while Tongue takes the place of left-arm seamer Luke Wood. The reshuffle gives England a more potent pace attack as they seek their first result of the three-match series against India.
First T20I: Rain Denies Result at Chester-le-Street
The opening fixture at Chester-le-Street ended without a result after India posted 189/7 in their innings, driven by half-centuries from captain Shreyas Iyer and opener Abhishek Sharma. Persistent rain prevented England from beginning their chase, leaving both sides frustrated and the series level.
Archer's Return: Form and Fitness
The 30-year-old right-arm quick returns to the shortest format on the back of a standout Test series against New Zealand, where he was named Player of the Series despite featuring in only two of the three matches. Archer claimed 11 wickets at an average of 22.81, finishing as England's leading wicket-taker in the series.
He announced his return to Test cricket with a five-wicket match haul at The Oval before delivering his best series performance at Trent Bridge, where he took 2 wickets in the first innings and followed up with figures of 4/53 in the second, removing both New Zealand openers to put the visitors under immediate pressure.
Archer also carried strong white-ball form from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, where he finished as Rajasthan Royals' highest wicket-taker with 25 wickets in 16 matches — a return that underlines his value across formats.
Tongue's Debut Opportunity
Josh Tongue earns his first cap in T20 international cricket having impressed in the longer format. The pace bowler now has the chance to stake a claim in England's white-ball setup at one of English cricket's most recognisable venues.
England's Playing XI for the Second T20I
England will take the field with: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook (captain), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue.
With the series still to be decided, Old Trafford on Saturday shapes up as the match England cannot afford to lose if they are to keep the three-game contest alive.
Point of View
The hosts cannot afford another no-result, and Archer's ability to generate genuine pace and late movement gives them a weapon India did not face in the opener. The more interesting call, however, is Tongue's debut: picking an uncapped T20 bowler for a must-win fixture suggests England's selectors see him as a long-term white-ball asset, not just a cover option. If he delivers at Old Trafford, the pressure on the rest of England's seam roster intensifies.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Jofra Archer been recalled for the second T20I against India?
Archer has been recalled on the back of strong recent form — he was named Player of the Series in England's Test series against New Zealand, taking 11 wickets in two matches, and was Rajasthan Royals' top wicket-taker with 25 wickets in IPL 2026. He replaces Saqib Mahmood in the XI.
Who is Josh Tongue and why is his selection significant?
Josh Tongue is an English pace bowler who has made his name in the longer format. His selection for the second T20I at Emirates Old Trafford marks his debut in T20 international cricket, giving him the opportunity to establish himself in England's white-ball setup.
What happened in the first T20I between England and India?
The first T20I at Chester-le-Street ended without a result. India had posted 189/7, with half-centuries from captain Shreyas Iyer and Abhishek Sharma, before persistent rain prevented England from starting their chase.
What is England's playing XI for the second T20I against India?
England's XI is: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook (captain), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, and Josh Tongue.
How did Jofra Archer perform in the IPL 2026 season?
Archer was Rajasthan Royals' highest wicket-taker in IPL 2026, claiming 25 wickets in 16 matches — a return that reinforced his standing as one of the most dangerous pace bowlers in white-ball cricket heading into the India series.
