England are 2-1 up and had a chance to go 3-1 up at Manchester, but were outplayed by exceptional Indian batting. They were forced to bowl over 100 overs in both innings, respectively, and has left England management with some serious questions, over the fitness of the pacers. Speaking on Sky Sports, Stuart Broad has said that Jofra Archer should not play in the Oval Test.
Jofra Archer Needs to be Preserved
He also suggested Gus Atkinson as the potential replacement. “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 really 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. He also spoke about Josh Tongue, who played in Leeds. “[Josh] Tongue started the series, and I know he mainly got lower-order players out, but you probably have a natural replacement for Archer.
Gus Atkinson a Potential Replacement
“We can’t not have Archer for four years, bring him back and then bowl him into the ground and not see him for another four years.” Even though Oval Test is the deciding match for the series, Nasser Hussain feels, that Archer shouldn’t be risked for now, since there is an Ashes series coming up soon.
“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.”
