England pace bowler Jofra Archer will miss Monday’s training session ahead of the second Test against India due to a family emergency.
England and Wales Cricket Board said the 30-year-old was expected to rejoin the squad on Tuesday in preparation for the second Test at Edgbaston as the hosts look to strengthen their grip on the five-match series.
Archer was called into the squad following England’s thrilling five-wicket victory in the opening Test at Headingley last week.
He has not played Test cricket since February 2021 and played his first red-ball match in four years in Sussex’s County Championship draw against Durham in Chester-le-Street last week.
Fellow England bowler Chris Woakes is excited to have Archer back in the team and believes his best days are still ahead of him.
He said: “Brilliant for Jof, brilliant for us as a team. It is a big boost to have him back.
“When Jof is around he adds a lot to the group, not only as a player but as a person and as a character. He’s obviously had a tough journey over the last few years with his injuries and it’s credit to him, the hard work he’s put it to be back in this position to be able to hopefully play Test cricket again.
“More delighted for him than us really, because I know how hard it is to go through long spells of injuries. We haven’t had the lay-offs he’s had, but even just a niggle here and there can be hard mentally, so full credit to him and the opportunity to play for England again.
“His best is probably still ahead of him. I’m sure he’s chomping at the bit to get back out there and show people what he has already done in the whites.
“We all know how good he can be, but he’s at an age where his best is still ahead of him which is exiting for him and us.
“Hopefully when he does get back out there it will be great to have him back and great for the fans.”