McCullum 'hopeful' for Archer return

LONDON: England coach Brendon McCullum says he is hopeful Jofra Archer will be in contention for next week’s second Test against New Zealand, as selectors weigh whether to alter a pace attack that dominated the series opener at Lord’s.

Archer was not considered for the first Test after an extended spell in the Indian Premier League, despite holding an England central contract. Instead, the 31-year-old spent time resting in his native Barbados while England opened their international summer with a 115-run victory over New Zealand. The win came as England seek to move on from a heavy Ashes defeat in Australia.

The seamers made full use of conditions at Lord’s, where the surface offered substantial assistance to fast bowlers during the 150th Test played at the ground, more than any other venue. Ollie Robinson and Gus Atkinson claimed seven wickets apiece in the match, while Josh Tongue took five, strengthening their cases for another outing in the second Test at the Oval, where England will try to seal an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Selection decision for the Oval

Even so, Archer remains widely viewed as one of England’s preferred fast-bowling options when fit and available. His possible return could leave the team management with a difficult selection call ahead of the next match.

McCullum said Archer is due back in England later this week and could yet be added to the squad.

Speaking about the fast bowler’s progress, McCullum said: "In the next couple of days we'll probably drill down on that but we're hopeful he will be available for the second Test, then we'll work out conditions-wise where we're at."

"He's following a plan (in Barbados). He's bowling," hea added.

McCullum also said England had confidence in Archer’s preparation process. "We completely trust Jof and he's shown us in the past what he does, which is get himself ready based on the plans we get together and come up with. He's always turned up in the condition we wanted from him."

Spin also part of the equation

England may also have to decide whether conditions at the Oval warrant the inclusion of a specialist spinner. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir did not bowl a single over in the Lord’s Test, but improved batting conditions are expected for the next match, which could strengthen the argument for retaining a frontline slow bowler.

Captain Ben Stokes operated as England’s fourth seamer at Lord’s and played more of a supporting role than he often has at the venue. He sent down only seven overs in the match, taking one wicket on the fourth and final morning, and scored 12 and nought with the bat.