'Let him play another four-day game' - Michael Vaughan urges for caution ahead of Jofra Archer's return
"He's not played the longer format for four years so why, on the back of one game for Sussex against Durham, would you rush him back?," said Vaughan.
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Former England captain Michael Vaughan has stated that Jofra Archer should not be included in the playing XI for England’s second Test against India at Edgbaston. Archer recently made his return to first-class cricket, featuring in a four-day game for Sussex, his first appearance in the format after nearly four years, in an effort to prove his fitness for a Test comeback. The right-arm pacer has not played a Test match since 2021.
Earlier this month, England selector Luke Wright had indicated that if Archer successfully came through the four-day game, he could be in contention for selection in the second Test, which is scheduled to begin on July 2.
"The good thing is that Jofra is back in the equation - but I'd like to see him play another four-day game," said Vaughan in the BBC Test Match Special.
"He's not played the longer format for four years so why, on the back of one game for Sussex against Durham, would you rush him back? We know the intensity at Test-match level is so different to county cricket. Let him play another four-day game - I would go with the same line-up, as long as the bowlers are fine and there are no niggles," he added.
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The 30-year-old pacer returned with figures of 1 for 32 from 18 overs in Durham’s first innings, with his only wicket being that of opener Emilio Gay. Archer rose to prominence in 2019, for bowling the Super Over in England’s triumphant home World Cup campaign, and later taking 22 wickets across four Ashes Tests at an average of 20.27.
Sussex are set to begin another County Championship match against Warwickshire on Sunday, which will overlap with the second Test. Vaughan has backed the bowlers who featured in the opening Test to retain their places and suggested that Archer should not be rushed back into the lineup.
"Josh Tongue, the hoover, let him do that again at Edgbaston. Chris Woakes needs more runs, and then Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse have been fantastic. They're 1-0 up, played some great cricket, so go with the same again," Vaughan added.