The inclusion of Jofra Archer in England's squad for the second Test against India at Edgbaston has sparked considerable debate, with former England captain Nasser Hussain weighing in on the potential gamble. Archer, who last played a Test match in February 2021, has been named in the squad for the second Test starting on July 2nd, marking a possible return to Test cricket after recovering from multiple injuries.

Hussain acknowledged the emotional and physical challenges Archer has faced during his injury-plagued period. He recognized the significance of Archer's return to the squad, considering the rehab, pain, and mental torment he has endured. However, he expressed reservations about immediately thrusting Archer into the playing XI at Edgbaston.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Hussain stated that while Archer's return is positive news, rushing him back into the Test arena might be too risky. Archer recently made his first-class comeback for Sussex, bowling 18 overs against Durham. Hussain suggested that Archer might need more preparation to ensure the England team remains on the safe side with his fitness.

Hussain proposed a more cautious approach, suggesting that Archer's comeback be delayed until the third Test at Lord's. He argued that playing Archer at Edgbaston could be a gamble, given his recent return from a long injury layoff. Hussain highlighted the dilemma of who to leave out if Archer is included in the Edgbaston Test.

Despite his reservations about Edgbaston, Hussain is optimistic about the long-term value of Archer's return. He believes that Archer, when fully fit, is one of the best in the world and a box-office player with raw pace. However, he acknowledged that Archer has struggled with fitness for a long time, making his inclusion a gamble.

Rob Key, the ECB managing director of men's cricket, has confirmed that Archer is likely to play in one of the next two Tests against India. He also indicated that if Archer doesn't play at Edgbaston, having him around the squad would still be beneficial. Key said that Archer was impressive in his red-ball return for Sussex, showing good pace, skill, and accuracy.

The key question for England is whether to unleash Archer at Edgbaston or wait until Lord's. While Archer's raw pace and talent are undeniable, his long injury layoff and lack of recent Test experience make his inclusion a risky proposition. England must carefully weigh the potential rewards against the risks before making a final decision.