Follow UsJofra Archer returned to Test cricket after a gap of four years in the Lord's Test against India. With his participation in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, he has now played in back-to-back Tests, bowling over 88 overs in the series so far. He has nine wickets in the two Tests, and he could have very well played his last Test in the series.
Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Jamie Overton are at England's disposal to replace Archer for the fifth Test at The Oval, starting July 31 (Thursday). Former England pacer Stuart Broad believes it should be Atkinson playing the fifth Test as England cannot afford to bowl Archer into the ground and risk losing him for another four years, especially with the Ashes to be played in Australia later this year.
"I think Gus Atkinson has to play. I know he has not had any workload, but we need to see him. He hasn't been really challenged against top-level opposition in Test cricket yet," Broad said on Sky Sports.
"[Brydon] Carse looked knackered in the fourth Test. He has been a trier and given absolutely everything, but it looks like his legs have left him for this series, so Atkinson gets the nod.
"We can't not have Archer for four years, bring him back and then bowl him into the ground and not see him for another four years."
England would have to tread carefully with Archer given his track record with injuries. His back and elbow injuries have not allowed him to represent England on a regular basis.
Former England skipper Nasser Hussain is also in complete agreement with Broad on Archer. "I don't think you can have Archer playing three on the bounce coming back after four years," Hussain said.
"Gus Atkinson coming back after a long time, and then Stokes with a niggle as three of your four seamers - but I would definitely play Atkinson on his home ground if fit."
England currently lead the series 2-1, and will look to seal it when they take on India in the fifth Test at The Oval.