Is England preserving Archer for India Test series? Passer missing from one-band Zimbabwe Test

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have announced the team for the upcoming One-off Test between England and Zimbabwe. The match is to be played at Trent Bridge from 22 to 28 May and will serve as a preparation for India’s Test tour.

Jordan Cox and Sam Cook Earn Call-Up

Keeping this in mind, the ECB has named the 13-man squad for the Zimbabwe test. Ben Stokes had some doubts, but it is confirmed that he would lead England. Most players maintain their locations, but unaccounted Jordan Cox and Sam Cook have been assigned their first call-ups. Josh Tong, who has not played for England since July 2023, gave to the team, given that Bridan Cars are currently injured.

Jofra Archer Bubble-Rapped for India Test?

However, a name that is missing is Jofra Archer. Pesar has not played Test cricket since February 2021. And given that two other speedsters, Mark Wood and Oli Stone, have also been injured.

Jofra is currently playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for Rajasthan Royals. Given that Rajasthan has been dropped from the tournament and will play his last match against Punjab Kings on 16 May, he will have about 5-6 days to return to Nottingham.

No one should forget that Archer has not played first class cricket since May 2021. This has been 4 overs. And he has been on the road since February 2025. ECB would like to manage its charge. In addition, Archer has had talks about playing some tests against India. The ECB would like it to rest for a while and then see if his body is ready for red-ball cricket.

England squad for Zimbabwe Test

Ben Stokes (C), Gas Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Zak Croly, Ben Docket, Oli Pope, Matthew Pots, Joe Root, Zamie Smith (WK), Josh Jib