England pace bowler Jofra Archer missed Monday’s training session ahead of their second Test with India due to a family emergency, but the ECB has decided to name an unchanged line-up all the same.
The 30-year-old is expected to rejoin the squad on Tuesday in preparation for the second Test at Edgbaston as England look to strengthen their grip on the five-match series, but captain Ben Stokes will be leading an Archer-less side into battle.
Archer was called up to England’s squad after the side secured a thrilling five-wicket victory in the series opener at Headingley last week.
Archer has not played Test cricket since February 2021 and played his first red-ball match after four years in Sussex‘s County Championship draw against Durham at Chester-le-Street last week.
Whenever his Test return comes, fellow England bowler Chris Woakes is excited to have Archer back around the team and believes his best days are still ahead of him.
He said: “Brilliant for Jof, brilliant for us as a team. It is a big boost to have him back.
“When Jof is around he adds a lot to the group, not only as a player but as a person and as a character. He’s obviously had a tough journey over the last few years with his injuries and it’s credit to him the hard work he’s put in to be back in this position to be able to hopefully play Test cricket again.
“More delighted for him than us really because I know how hard it is to go through long spells of injuries. We haven’t had the lay offs he’s had but even just a niggle here and there it can be hard mentally, so full credit to him and the opportunity to play for England again.
“His best is probably still ahead of him. I’m sure he’s chomping at the bit to get back out there and show people what he has already done in the whites.
“We all know how good he can be but he’s at an age where his best is still ahead of him, which is exiting for him and us.
“Hopefully when he does get back out there it will be great to have him back and great for the fans.”
England will look to take a 2-0 series lead over India with victory this week but the side have had a mixed bag of results at the venue over the last five years.
A defeat by New Zealand in 2021 along with a pair of Ashes losses in 2019 and 2023 show it could be tough work for England.
But Woakes, who was born in Birmingham and plays his domestic cricket for Warwickshire, is excited to play in front of his home crowd.
He added: “Whenever I come here for an international it’s got that extra buzz and a real good feeling turning up at your home crowd and being part of a big series, it’s exciting.
“We get great support here. The Hollies (stand) will be rocking and there will be a lot of Indian fans here as well so it makes for a great atmosphere for both teams. I’m glad to be a part of it.”
James Anderson and Stuart Broad‘s retirements mean Woakes is now a more senior figure in the England bowling attack and the 36-year-old is enjoying his role as one of the most experienced members of the group.
“I’m enjoying it and I played a lot of my England games with Jimmy and Broady so it is different not having them around but also it’s a great opportunity for myself,” he said.
“I’ve enjoyed that role so far and it’s good to pass on some knowledge to the younger guys that haven’t played as much Test cricket.
“I’m still in that position where I’m trying to get better and improve every time I go out there. People like to talk about age a lot but it is just a number. If I feel like I’m performing well, I’ll carry on.”
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