With England men's managing director Rob Key stating that the pacer is likely to play in at least one of the upcoming two Tests against India, there is increased excitement for Jofra Archer's long-awaited return to Test cricket. Due to a string of elbow and back ailments, Archer has not played a red-ball international since February 2021. He has been selected to the England team for the second Test, which begins on July 2 at Edgbaston.

"I would imagine [that he will play at least one of the next two Tests]," Key told Sky Sports News. It's heading in that direction right now as I'm standing here, but who knows? He had the option of throwing the first ball of the [Edgbaston] Test. All options are open.

Recently, Archer made a comeback to first-class cricket, collecting 1/32 in 18 overs for Sussex against Durham. The conclusion of a protracted and demanding rehabilitation period was marked by that trip. "It was a question of could he hit his straps and could he get up to a decent pace, which we felt he did. "Jofra is such a talent and was straight on the money," Key stated. "You need a lot of different things to be a world-class bowler and he has all of them - pace, release point, skill, accuracy."

But there is disagreement as to when Archer was inducted. Prior to Archer's comeback, former England captain Nasser Hussain warned that playing him in the second Test would be a "gamble." "I think it's too much of a risk this week, but it may have gone so well – I don't know Jofra Archer's body – it may have gone so well that they say 'we'll play you this week'," he said. The issue becomes, who do you leave out?

"He's only just made his first-class comeback for Sussex for four years this week where he bowled 18 overs," Hussain added. One of the best athletes in the world is Archer when he is in peak condition. He has that raw speed, and he's definitely a box office hit. However, sadly for him, he has not been in top condition for a very long time. It's a risk, then.

Like the case of Bumrah

India's predicament with Jasprit Bumrah, who bowled 44 overs in the first Test at Headingley and is expected to be rested for the Edgbaston match, is similar to the dilemma surrounding Archer. Bumrah also resumed play after a period of absence due to an injury, just like Archer.

Key also discussed England's strategy for workload management, saying, "We have to be careful with all of our bowlers but if you didn't want bowlers to get injured you would never play them." It's about putting your bowlers out there as much as possible so that they may have an impact on cricket games.

Key stated that if Archer is not chosen for Edgbaston, he could participate in the last games of Sussex's next County Championship match against Warwickshire. Key said, "There is a chance he could play in the Championship if we think that is the best thing or it might be that if he doesn't play at Edgbaston having him around is the best thing."

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