Jofra Archer has been added to England's squad for the second Test against India, marking a potential return to Test cricket after a hiatus since February 2021. The 30-year-old right-arm fast bowler's inclusion bolsters the Ben Stokes-led side, which currently leads the five-Test series 1-0 after a thrilling victory in the first Test at Headingley. Archer's return comes after recovering from a thumb injury that sidelined him from the white-ball series against the West Indies.

Archer recently participated in a four-day County Championship match for Sussex against Durham, where he bowled 18 overs and took 1 wicket. While his statistics may not have been outstanding, his pace and rhythm impressed selectors and fans, with clips of his bowling spell going viral on social media.

However, Archer was absent from England's training session at Edgbaston on Monday due to a family emergency. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that he is expected to rejoin the squad on Tuesday, ahead of the second Test, which begins on Wednesday in Birmingham. The ECB has not provided further details regarding the family emergency. As things stand, there's no indication that his brief absence from training will impact his availability for selection in the second Test.

Archer's inclusion in the squad adds a potent edge to England's pace attack, which already includes Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and captain Ben Stokes. With conditions at Edgbaston expected to favor seamers, Archer's presence could pose a fresh challenge to the Indian batting unit. Archer has 42 wickets from 13 Tests.

Another England player, Shoaib Bashir is also in the squad.