2nd Test, India vs England: Jofra Archer ruled out for ENG; Axar Patel added to IND squad

England rattled the host Indian team by registering a commanding 227-run victory in the first India vs England Test match in Chennai. With skipper Joe Root’s masterclass knock of 218 runs and some great bowling by the trio of Dominic Bess, Jack Leach and James Anderson, England took a 1-0 lead in the four-match Test series and with this win, the visitors have also kept their hopes alive of sealing a spot in the final of the ICC World Test Championship. However, ahead of the second Test match in Chennai, England have received a massive blow as their premier fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the upcoming Test due to an elbow injury.

IND vs ENG: Elbow discomfort rules Archer out for the second Test

According to the latest reports, Archer took an injection in his right elbow following the discomfort he experienced in the first Test match. The England speedster has failed to recover completely from the injury and thus, he will not be available for selection in the second Test match starting from February 13 in Chennai. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are very much hopeful of Archer gaining complete fitness before the third Test match scheduled to start from February 24 in Ahmedabad’s newly built Sardar Patel Stadium.

We can confirm that @JofraArcher will miss the second Test against India in Chennai starting on Saturday after having an injection in his right elbow.

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 11, 2021

“The issue is not related to any previous injury and it is hoped the treatment will allow the condition to settle down quickly, allowing the player to return to action in time for the third Test in Ahmedabad,” stated ECB in their latest press release.

Barring Jofra Archer’s omission, England will be without Jos Buttler who was only drafted in the squad for the first Test while even after bowling a sensational spell in the third innings, James Anderson is likely to be given rest in the second Test. The trio of Ben Foakes, Stuart Broad and Olly Stone are likely to be part of the playing eleven for the forthcoming Test match.

IND vs ENG: Axar Patel regains complete fitness

Unfortunately, after getting ruled out of the first game on the eve of the encounter, India all-rounder Axar Patel has completely recovered from his knee injury and is available for the selection for the upcoming second Test. With Axar fully fit, the duo of Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Chahar have been withdrawn from the main squad and are now part of the reserves. Axar is very much likely to make his Test debut against England in the second Test match.

NEWS: @akshar2026 available for selection for second @Paytm #INDvENG Test

Details ? https://t.co/ZElhjWBKhB pic.twitter.com/xluEp7XZoq

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 11, 2021