Jofra Archer's potential return to the England Test squad for the ongoing series against India presents both a boost and a selection dilemma for the team management. After a four-year absence from Test cricket, primarily due to persistent elbow and back injuries, the 30-year-old fast bowler has been included in the squad, raising hopes of his comeback. Archer last played a Test match in February 2021 against India.

Archer's return could inject much-needed pace and aggression into England's bowling attack. In his 13 Test matches, he has taken 42 wickets at an average of 31.04, including two six-wicket hauls during the 2019 Ashes series. His ability to bowl at high speeds and generate disconcerting bounce can trouble even the best batsmen. Furthermore, Archer's presence adds variety to the bowling attack, complementing the skills of other pacers like Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Ben Stokes.

However, Archer's return also creates a selection headache for England. The team has performed well in recent Tests, and disrupting the established bowling combination could be risky. Moreover, Archer's long absence from red-ball cricket raises concerns about his match fitness and ability to withstand the rigors of a five-Test series. He has only recently returned to competitive cricket after recovering from a thumb injury sustained in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

England's captain, Ben Stokes, acknowledged the selection dilemma, stating that the decision on Archer's inclusion in the playing XI would depend on assessing his workload and fitness levels. Stokes emphasized the need to manage Archer's workload carefully, given his injury history. England's coach, Brendon McCullum, expressed excitement about Archer's potential return, saying that he is "looking fit, he's looking strong, he's looking ready to go and he'll come into calculations".

There are multiple factors influencing the decision. The performance of the other bowlers in the series will be a key consideration. If the existing attack struggles to take wickets or control the scoring rate, the temptation to unleash Archer will increase. The nature of the pitches will also play a role. Fast, bouncy surfaces would suit Archer's style of bowling, making him a more attractive option.

Ultimately, the decision on whether to include Archer in the playing XI rests with the team management. They will need to weigh the potential benefits of his inclusion against the risks of disrupting a winning team and pushing him back too soon. It’s likely they will be cautious, managing his workload carefully to ensure he can contribute effectively throughout the series.

The possible return of Jasprit Bumrah for India adds another layer to the tactical considerations. Stokes acknowledged Bumrah's world-class ability but stressed the importance of focusing on the entire Indian bowling attack.