As England announced the squad for the first Test against India starting June 20, right-arm pacer Jofra Archer was among the major names missing from the lineup.Having sustained a thumb injury, Archer was also absent from England’s recent white-ball outings against West Indies and was omitted from a 15-member squad for the England Lions’ second unofficial Test against India A.
But recent developments indicate that Archer might be back in the mix sooner, with England national selector Luke Wright stating that the pacer is on course to make a return ahead of the second Test against India, starting on July 2 in Birmingham.Speaking to Sky Sports, Wright said, "Joff's trucking on really well, actually. The plans for him, he's playing a few second-team games.
"He's getting a few loading up in the second team for Sussex, and then the idea for him is to play for Sussex against Durham, I think on the 23rd, just during the first Test."So, he'll play for Sussex if all things go well, and then if things go well, fingers crossed, he should be available for the second Test.
Another speedster missing out from the squad for the first Test is Mark Wood. The 35-year-old had picked up a knee injury during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, ruling him out for four months.Wright conceded that while Wood has started off with light training, his full recovery is expected to be a longer one, towards the end of the India series.
"I think Woody's now started bowling just lightly, to be honest. He's just off a few paces, but that's been a great sign," he said."So, he's on the road to recovery. I think he's more long-term, if we can get him back, he might have an option for the fourth or fifth Test. But again, each day it's ticking off each box and making sure he's okay.
"But he's trucking on well and same with Stoney. So, we are starting to get boys back, but they're still further away than right now. But it would be nice having those options back as well."England and India will lock horns in the first of five Tests starting June 20 in Headingley, marking the beginning of a new ICC World Test Championship cycle. (UNI)