Aakash Chopra opens up on Jofra Archer’s return, says fast bowler can be a game-changer ahead of 2nd Test against India

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has noted that while Jofra Archer has been added to England’s Test squad after missing the opening Test at Leeds, Headingley, India’s pack leader Jasprit Bumrah will miss the second Test to manage his workload. 

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.

“Jofra Archer has become a part of the England team, which means our guy is not getting available, and the other team’s guy has returned. He (Archer) will play Test matches after a very long time. Let’s be fair, until he does well, he is good, but there is a problem with Jofra,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

Chopra highlighted that Archer could be a gamer-changer if he bowls at his best upon his return.

“Why is Jofra good? Jofra has pace and the ability to swing the ball and get extra bounce. So Jofra can be a game-changer. Since he is quick in the air, he will help you if the ball is reversing as well. He can bowl a spell with extra bounce and pace, and a little sideways movement. He has the ability to turn the game on its head,” he elaborated.

The renowned commentator added Jofra Archer drops his shoulders when he isn’t bowling at his absolute best.

“The second side of Jofra Archer’s Test story is the fact that his shoulders drop very quickly. If two spells don’t go good, he is getting hit, and the pitch is flat, then Jofra is gone missing completely. Then you don’t even feel Jofra is playing the match. Then he just bowls for the sake of it. We have seen that many times,” he said.

The former Delhi cricketer highlighted that Archer is unplayable if he has the right rhythm on his side.

“If his tail is up, he is unplayable. He can bowl a spell that can change the match, but he can also get deflated. We have also seen him like a balloon pricked with a pin. So Jofra is a mixed bag, but our Bumrah won’t be available, and their Jofra has become available. What’s happening? I am not happy about it,” Chopra observed.

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