Jofra Archer's potential return to Test cricket has been a major talking point, but his participation in the second Test against India remains uncertain despite his recent red-ball comeback. Archer has been included in the squad for the second Test at Edgbaston, scheduled to begin on July 2nd. However, England's management is carefully monitoring his workload and fitness levels before making a final decision.

Archer recently made his return to first-class cricket, playing for Sussex against Durham in the County Championship. This marked his first red-ball appearance in four years, since February 2021, after a series of elbow and back injuries. In the match, Archer scored 31 runs and took 1/32 in 18 overs, showing encouraging signs. His return to the cricket pitch has been greatly anticipated, especially after he was sidelined due to a thumb injury during the IPL.

Despite the positive signs, there is caution surrounding Archer's immediate return to Test cricket. Former England captain Nasser Hussain has expressed concerns about the timing, calling it a "gamble" to play Archer in the second Test so soon after his comeback. Hussain pointed out that Archer had only bowled 18 overs in his first-class comeback match, emphasizing the need to carefully assess his fitness.

England men's managing director Rob Key has suggested that Archer is likely to feature in at least one of the next two Tests against India. However, he also acknowledged that the decision would depend on Archer's progress and workload management. Key mentioned that Archer could potentially play in the final stages of Sussex's next Championship fixture if he is not selected for the Edgbaston Test.

The situation with Archer is similar to that of Jasprit Bumrah, who bowled 44 overs in the first Test against England and may be rested for the second Test. Both players are returning from injury layoffs, and their respective teams are prioritizing their long-term fitness.

Archer himself has acknowledged the challenges of returning to red-ball cricket after a long absence. He admitted that adjusting to the demands of four-day cricket has been mentally challenging, especially on a pitch that offers little assistance. He also expressed confidence in his body's ability to handle the physical demands, stating that the mental aspect of the game would be the key.

The England camp is closely monitoring Archer's progress, with captain Ben Stokes expressing his eagerness to have Archer back in the team. Stokes believes that Archer's return would be a major boost to the team, especially with his raw pace and ability to challenge the Indian batting line-up.

Ultimately, the decision on whether Archer will play in the second Test against India will depend on his fitness levels, workload management, and the assessment of the England medical team. While his inclusion in the squad is a positive sign, his participation in the match is not yet guaranteed.