Cricketer-turned-expert Stuart Broad stated that pacer Jofra Archer should not play the fifth and final Test against India, starting on Thursday, July 31, at the Oval. The pacer, who made a Test comeback after four years, played a pivotal role in the hosts' win in the third Lord's Test, and also played a starring role in the recently concluded Manchester Test. However, Broad believes Archer should make way for Gus Atkinson as England hope to clinch the five-match Test series 3-1.
Atkinson, who was injured, has had a terrific start to his Test career, managing to impress the selectors last year in England's home summer. He is also a handy batter, having scored one Test century at Lord's.
"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 challenged against top-level opposition in Test cricket yet," Broad said.
"[Brydon] Carse looked knackered in the fourth Test. He has been a trier and given absolutely everything, but looks like his legs have left him for this series, so Atkinson gets the nod.
"[Josh] Tongue started the series, and I know he mainly got lower-order players out, but you probably have a natural replacement for Archer.
England should use Archer wisely & not overburden him: Stuart Broad
The former England player has also urged his team to use Jofra Archer wisely. The pacer has a long-standing problem with injuries, which has kept him out of the red-ball format for a considerable period of time. While the fifth Test has become all the more important, due to India securing a hard-earned draw in Manchester, Broad believes that with the Ashes four months away, Archer's workload should be monitored.
"I don't think you can have Archer playing three on the bounce coming back after four years," added Sky Sports' Nasser Hussain.
"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."
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Notably, the hosts have announced a 15-member squad for the fifth Test, with Jamie Overton added to the squad. The hosts are leading the series 2-1 and need a win in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy to win the series.
