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Key Points

England has decided to field the same playing eleven that won the first Test against India at Headingley. Jofra Archer, despite being named in the squad, will not play at Edgbaston due to previous injury concerns. The team seeks to build on their five-wicket victory and potentially seal the series early. Chris Woakes gets the opportunity to play at his home ground, adding extra motivation for the team.

Key Points: England Retain XI vs India Archer Waits for Test Return

  • England maintains winning team from Headingley Test
  • Jofra Archer remains out due to previous injury concerns
  • Chris Woakes plays at home venue Edgbaston
  • Five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series continues
2 min read

No Archer as England name unchanged playing eleven for second Test at Edgbaston

England unchanged for Edgbaston Test with Jofra Archer sidelined as Ben Stokes' team seeks series lead against India

"Another win at Edgbaston will give us a chance to seal the series - Ben Stokes (implied)"

Birmingham, June 30

Jofra Archer's wait for a comeback into Test cricket has been extended as England have decided to field an unchanged playing eleven for the second Test against India, starting at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

Archer had been named in an England Test squad for the first time since 2021, but the side have chosen to retain their faith in the same playing eleven that won them the series opener over India at Headingley.

Archer was called into the squad following England's thrilling five-wicket victory in the opening Test at Headingley last week. So far, he has played 13 Tests for England and picked 42 wickets at an average of 31.04.

But a recurrence of an elbow injury and stress fracture in the back meant Archer was largely sidelined from playing Tests for England after February 2021. Archer, 30, also missed England's training session on Monday due to a family emergency and will rejoin the squad on Tuesday in preparation for the second Test.

In last week's Test at HeadingleyEngland chased down 371 to win by five wickets, despite India having five centurions, and lead the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series 1-0. Another win for the Ben Stokes-led side at Edgbaston will give them a chance to seal the five-match series in the third game at Lord's, starting on July 10.

England retaining their playing eleven also means seam-bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes will also get to play a Test match at his home venue. Woakes, 36, has a stellar record in his three Test appearances at his home venue against Australia, West Indies, and Pakistan respectively.

England playing XI: Zak Crawley, ⁠Ben Duckett, ⁠Ollie Pope, ⁠Joe Root, ⁠Harry Brook, ⁠Ben Stokes (captain), ⁠Jamie Smith (wicket-keeper), ⁠Chris Woakes, ⁠Brydon Carse, ⁠Josh Tongue, and ⁠Shoaib Bashir

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Archer's fitness issues are concerning. As an Indian fan, I feel bad for him but also relieved he's not playing against us. Our batters need to capitalize on this opportunity and post a big total!
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Aditya G
England's unchanged XI shows their confidence after Headingley win. But our team should remember - they chased 371 last time because of our poor bowling in 4th innings. Bumrah & co need to step up!
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Sarah B
Interesting decision! Woakes at home is dangerous but Archer's raw pace was what troubled India most in past series. Maybe England saving him for Lord's? Indian top order needs to be cautious against swing.
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Karthik V
England's team selection is smart cricket. But our think tank should have noticed this pattern - they always back their winning XI. We need to exploit their predictability with surprise tactics!
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Nisha Z
Honestly, India lost last Test due to poor fielding and dropped catches. Doesn't matter who England plays if we don't improve our ground fielding. So many runs gifted! 😤
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Michael C
As a neutral observer, England's decision makes sense but feels short-sighted. Archer could have been the X-factor against India's strong batting lineup. Test cricket needs fit fast bowlers like him.

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