A 5-match Test series is currently being played between India and England. The first Test was held at Headingley in Leeds, where Team India suffered a heavy defeat by 5 wickets. Now, both teams will face each other again at Edgbaston in Birmingham from July 2. England has announced its playing XI for this match. Once again, star fast bowler Jofra Archer has not been included in the lineup.
The reason for Archer’s exclusion is not injury, but a family emergency. He was scheduled to join the England squad for a training session at Edgbaston on July 1, but due to the emergency, he won’t be able to do so. This has once again delayed his return. Notably, Archer has returned to the Test setup after a long gap of four years. The 30-year-old last played a Test match in February 2021 against India. Since making his Test debut in 2019, he has played only 13 Tests for England.
Last week, Archer played his first first-class match in four years, featuring for Sussex against Durham in the County Championship. He is now expected to return for the third Test. As for England’s playing XI in the second Test, the team remains unchanged from the first match. Under the captaincy of Ben Stokes, England will look to continue their winning momentum against India.
England’s Playing XI for 2nd Test
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (Wicketkeeper), Ben Stokes (Captain), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
All Eyes on Team India’s Playing XI
With England revealing their playing XI, all attention has now shifted to Team India. After a disappointing loss in the first Test, the Indian team management is expected to make some changes in the lineup. It will be interesting to see which 11 players India fields at Edgbaston.