Indian team's problems may increase in the second Test against England; Know why

England has announced the team for only one match of the Test series against India. Fast bowler Joffra Archer's name is not included in this team. Archer has not played any first-class matches for a long time. Still, he can turn out in the second Test against India at Edgbaston next month. England's national selector Luke Wright made this information public, provided he passes his fitness examination in the Sussex vs Durham game at Chester-le-Street in the next 15 days.

Archer, who is 30 years old, has not featured in any first-class game in the past four years. Throughout this period, he had various injuries, such as surgery on his problematic elbow more than once, and even suffered a stress fracture in the back. He was picked to resume red-ball cricket in the second England Lions unofficial Test game against India A this week, but was sidelined following a thumb ligament injury he picked while fielding during the IPL.

He is now close to a comeback, however, and with England heading into a crucial Test cricket season in the coming eight months that includes five home Tests against India and an overseas Ashes tour, selectors are keen to have him back in the squad. "Archer is also doing quite well. The plan is for him to play a few matches for Sussex's second team and start loading from there. If all goes well, he will be available for the second Test," Wright said.

Archer last played a first-class match for Sussex against Kent in May 2021, before his elbow injury resurfaced. He last played a Test against India in Ahmedabad in February 2021. He has so far taken 42 wickets in 13 Tests at an average of 31.04, including two six-wicket hauls in the 2019 Ashes.

Wright further said, "As with every fast bowler, he has to keep moving forward without any setbacks every day. But if everything goes well and he plays against Durham, he may be available for selection for the second Test." The five-match Test series between England and India will begin on June 20 at Headingley, followed by two consecutive Tests at Edgbaston (July 2-6) and Lord's (July 10-14).