By News18
Ahead of England鈥檚 second Test against India in Birmingham, England鈥檚 skipper Ben Stokes discussed the inclusion of fast bowler Jofra Archer in the squad. Stokes emphasized the importance of Archer spending time with the group this week and noted that Archer has always looked forward to playing Tests for England once again.
The Birmingham Test will commence on Wednesday. However, Archer, who played his last Test in February 2021, will have to wait a bit longer to add to his tally of 13 Tests and 42 wickets, as he was not included in the playing eleven. Earlier this week, Archer participated in his first red-ball match in over four years, representing Sussex in a four-day game against Durham at Chester-le-Street. He showed glimpses of his best, scoring 31 runs and taking 1/32 from 18 overs in a drawn match.
Archer is making his return to the side ahead of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. Although he has played numerous ODIs and T20Is for England, he has not played a Test since his previous appearance in 2021.
In a pre-match press conference, Stokes highlighted that Archer鈥檚 last Test appearance was not under the current regime of head coach Brendon McCullum and himself, and his inclusion is beneficial for both the team and the pacer.
鈥淚 think it has been a long time since Joff has been in the Test environment. You know, he has been playing a lot of white-ball cricket for England over the last couple of years. So, to have him back with us here after, you know, such a long time is, you know, I think first and foremost great for him, great for the team and, yeah, I think it is very important for Joff to be around the group this week,鈥 Stokes said.
鈥淚t is been a long time for him, and the last time he was in the Test dressing room, obviously that was under a different regime. So, you know, I felt it was important, even if he did not get selected this week, that he spends time around the group because, you know, I think hopefully that we will see him play a part in this series going forward. So, you know, that time spent with Joff, you know, with the other individuals in this group is, you know, very important for the rest of the series, you know, not just the performances out on the field as well,鈥 the England captain added.
What Stokes Said About Archer?
Stokes called Archer an 鈥渋ncredibly gifted cricketer鈥 regardless of the colour of the ball in his hand.
鈥淲e have seen when he walks out onto the field for England, when he has got that ball in his hands, the whole atmosphere of the game just changes regardless of what situation he is in,鈥 he added.
Stokes described facing Archer in the nets, dealing with some swing and 鈥渆ffortless pace.鈥
鈥淚t has been a while since I have faced him, so there is a little bit of a wake-up call for me as well. But yeah, no, I think just first of all, it is great to have Joff back in the dressing room and, you know, really excited for him to be where he is right now,鈥 he added.
The skipper mentioned that he has always been in constant communication with Archer since his injury troubles, and the bowler was determined to 鈥済et back and play in Test cricket to make himself available for selection.鈥
鈥淗e did not need any more reason to find any more desire. He loves playing cricket, he loves playing for England,鈥 he concluded.
(With inputs from ANI)