Does England protect Jofra Archer for the Indian test series? Pacer is missing in a one -time zimbabve test

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the staff for a one -time test between the UK and Zimbabve. The match is planned to be played in Trent Bridge between 22-28 May and will serve as a preparation for the Indian test tour.

Gain Jordan Cox & Sam Cook Calls

Keeping this in mind, ECB chose a team of 13 people for the zimbabve test. I had some doubts about Stokes' fitness, but it was confirmed that he would lead England. Most of the players protect their places, but Jordan Jordan Cox and Sam Cook were given to maiden calls. Josh Dil, who hasn't played for England since July 2023, is back to the team, considering that Brydon Carse is currently injured.

Is Jofra Archer wrapped in bubbles for the India test?

However, Jofra Archer is a missing name. Pacer has not played Test Cricket since February 2021. And the other two fast, Mark Wood and Olly Stone were also injured.

Jofra currently plays for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025. Considering that Rajasthan was removed from the tournament and would play the last matches against Punjab Kings on May 16, it would be about 5-6 days to return to Nottingham.

You should remember that Archer has not played first -class crickets since May 2021. It was 4 sea. And since February 2025. ECB will want to manage the workload. Moreover, negotiations were held on Archer playing a few tests against India. The ECB will ask him to rest for a while and then see his body ready for red ball cricket.

England staff for zimbabve test

Ben Stokes (C), Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Beşir, Harry Brook, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (WK), Josh Language