Nasser Hussain reveals why England should not play Jofra Archer in 2nd Test against India

Former England captain Nasser Hussain reckons Ben Stokes’ team should not play Jofra Archer in the second Test match against India. Archer was added to England’s squad on Thursday after the fast bowler missed the opening Test.

Hussain said it would make sense to give some more rest to Archer and not rush him after injury. Archer recently played for Sussex in the County Championship match against Durham.

The lanky fast bowler has been troubled by a lot of injuries in his career and it would be prudent for England to manage him with guile.

“Firstly, you have to say it’s good news for Archer and England. Jof must have been through so much with those (elbow and back injuries), the rehab, and 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,” former England captain Nasser Hussain told Sky Sports News.

“Fundamentally if you’re an England fan, you should be pleased to see Jofra Archer back in a red ball squad,” Hussain added.

The former English skipper added that selecting Archer for the second Test may be premature given his recent comeback from injury.

“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 said.

“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 added.

Hussain said England should wait another week before putting Archer in the playing XI.

“What is the hurry when we’ve waited so long? Why not wait another week just to make sure?”

The second Test match between India and England will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from July 2nd onwards.