Jofra Archer Back In England Squad; When Was Last Time He Played Test Cricket?

When did Archer last played a Test match? [Source: @WisdenCricket/x.com]

England have revealed their squad for the upcoming second Test match against India, starting on July 2. The core from the first team has been retained but the team has made just one addition with the inclusion of forgotten pacer, Jofra Archer. The speedster is back in the Test squad after 4 years and will be gunning for a place in the second Test.

Throughout the last four years, Archer has been in and out of the white-ball team due to recurring elbow injuries. However, he looked fit in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) and has cleared the medical test as he gears up for his comeback.

Most likely, Archer will be included in the second Test match playing XI, and hence, let us look at the last time the pacer played a red-ball game for England.

When was the last time Archer played for England in Test cricket?

It was the third Test of England's India tour in 2021 when Archer last played a Test match. It was a day-night affair in Ahmedabad and England batted first as they struggled against the spin web of Axar Patel and got bundled out for a mere 112 runs.

In reply, India were dismissed for 145 runs as the spin duo of Jack Leach and Joe Root picked up 4, and 5 wickets respectively. Archer, though, wasn't as effective as the seamer went for 24 runs in 5 overs and only picked up a solitary wicket.

In England's second innings, England was dismantled for just 81 runs as Archer was sent back for a duck. India needed 49 runs to win the game and the visitors deployed spinners as the 30-year-old didn't get a chance to have a go at the Indian batters.

India won the series, 3-1 and Archer finished the tour with 4 wickets in 2 matches as injuries hampered him.

---

ALSO READ

Jofra Archer Returns After 4 years; Added To England's Squad For 2nd Test vs India

---