England Squad for Second Test

England Squad for Second Test Against India: Jofra Archer Returns

by

England has announced their 15-man squad for the second Test against India, starting July 2, 2025, at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The standout news is the return of fast bowler Jofra Archer to the Test side after a four-year absence, bolstering an England team riding high after a stunning victory in the first Test at Headingley. The squad, led by captain Ben Stokes, remains unchanged apart from Archer’s inclusion, reflecting confidence in the group that chased down 371 to take a 1-0 series lead.

First Test Recap: England’s Historic Chase at Headingley

The first Test at Headingley was a thrilling contest, culminating in England’s remarkable five-wicket victory on June 24, 2025. India, batting first after losing the toss, posted 471, powered by centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant. England’s response was equally robust, with Ollie Pope’s 100 and Harry Brook’s 99 helping them reach 465, trailing by just 6 runs.

India’s second innings saw Pant score another century, becoming the first Indian wicketkeeper to score tons in both innings of a Test, but a late collapse saw them bowled out for 364, setting England a daunting 371 to win. Ben Duckett’s sublime 149, supported by Zak Crawley’s 65 and Joe Root’s unbeaten 53, guided England to 373/5, sealing the second-highest successful chase in their Test history.

India’s six dropped catches, including four by Jaiswal, and ineffective bowling from Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth innings proved costly. The victory, described as one of England’s finest under Stokes and Brendon McCullum, showcased their aggressive “Bazball” approach

Jofra Archer’s Long-Awaited Test Comeback

Jofra Archer’s absence from Test cricket since February 2021 has been a significant loss for England. The 30-year-old pacer, known for his searing pace and ability to unsettle batters, has been hampered by stress fractures and elbow injuries, restricting him to white-ball formats. His last Test appearance was during England’s 2021 tour of India, where he showed promise before injuries intervened. England’s management has carefully managed his recovery, and his inclusion for the second Test is a strategic move to exploit Edgbaston’s pace-friendly conditions. Archer’s ability to bowl at speeds exceeding 90 mph could pose a serious threat to India’s batting lineup, which struggled against England’s bowlers in the first Test’s closing stages.

Also Read: India vs England 2nd Test: Date, Venue, Weather and More

England’s Squad: Banking on Momentum

England’s selectors have retained the core of their victorious Headingley squad, with Archer as the only addition. Ben Stokes, whose leadership and all-round contribution were pivotal in the first Test, will captain the side. The batting lineup features Joe Root, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Ollie Pope, with Jamie Smith continuing as wicketkeeper-batter. The pace attack, now strengthened by Archer, includes Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue. Shoaib Bashir and Jacob Bethell provide spin and all-round depth, respectively.

What to Expect at Edgbaston

With a 1-0 lead, England are favorites heading into the second Test. Edgbaston’s pitch, known for assisting seamers, should suit Archer and Woakes, while India will rely on Bumrah, who is likely to play despite workload concerns. England’s aggressive batting approach, led by Duckett and Root, will aim to capitalise on India’s fielding lapses. A win here could cement England’s dominance in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.

Full England Squad for Second Test Against India

  • Ben Stokes (Captain)
  • Jofra Archer
  • Shoaib Bashir
  • Jacob Bethell
  • Harry Brook
  • Brydon Carse
  • Sam Cook
  • Zak Crawley
  • Ben Duckett
  • Jamie Overton
  • Ollie Pope
  • Joe Root
  • Jamie Smith
  • Josh Tongue
  • Chris Woakes

Looking Ahead: England’s first Test heroics have set the stage for an electrifying series. With Archer’s return and a confident batting unit, they aim to press their advantage at Edgbaston. India, stung by their fielding errors and lower-order collapses, will need to regroup to challenge a buoyant England side.

Leave a Comment