England vs India Test Series

[Malcolm]

My feeling about Archer is that it's more about the Ashes series this winter in Oz than this India series. Get him into the squad and assess his fitness, hopefully removing him from the day to day stresses of County cricket. He may get a run-out in one or two of the last three tests, and if he can remain injury free and return to anywhere near his top form, then get him on the plane to Oz.

A fit an firing on all cylinders Archer is a weapon the Aussies didn't have an answer for last time he played them, and I really hope he can re-find that form. I think he's the one England bowler the Aussie batsmen really fear. But he needs to be fit.

[Steven]

I understand that but imagine what the furore would be if for example and England football player was injured for 4 years, played one average game for his club and then got selected for England again.....it should be the same for cricket.

Surely playing some more cricket for Sussex would be preferable to training with England?

[Malcolm]

It's not uncommon for the England football team to call up 'injured' players who haven't played for their clubs for a while to the squad, although the England squad size is often 24 or more players these days. Admittedly not 4 years out, and the final squad selection usually cuts them out again.

Jofra is in the 'squad' of 15. He's not (yet) in the starting 11. If you believe he is taking the place of another 'better' bowler in the squad, then fair enough. But personally, I think that if he can prove his fitness and form, then he adds a capability to the England team that is unique. A truly fast bowler in the same class as Marshall, Holding, Garner and Ambrose from the classic WI teams of the 70's and 80's. Given that unique talent, I'm prepared to support his inclusion in the squad in the hope that he still has it in him to scare the willeys out of the Aussies. Get him into the 3rd or 4th test against India and see how that goes against some of the best batsmen in the world. If he comes out of that still fit, and with acceptable figures, get him in the 5th test too. If he comes up short or injured, then we basically already know what this winter's squad will be anyway.