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“We Can’t Not Have…”: Broad Wants Atkinson To Replace Archer In 5th Test For 'This' Reason

Aakash Saini

Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer [Source: @ICC/x, AP]Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer [Source: @ICC/x, AP]

Jofra Archer should be rested from the England playing XI in the upcoming series-deciding fifth Test match against India at The Oval later this week, at least according to former cricketer Stuart Broad. The legendary English paceman is of the opinion that the England team management should not jeopardize Archer’s fitness, especially considering the fast bowler recently returned to the Test team after a gap of four years.

Broad is of the opinion that the England team should field fellow fast bowling option Gus Atkinson in the impending series-decider instead.

“Don’t Risk Another 4-Year Archer Injury” Says Broad

While speaking on Sky Sports after India’s hard-fought draw against England at Old Trafford in Manchester, former cricketer Stuart Broad backed the idea of including Gus Atkinson in the English XI for the upcoming fifth Test. Broad believes that Atkinson needs to go up against top-level opposition in Tests, citing he has not “really been challenged” in the format yet. He said:

“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.”

Stuart Broad wants injury-prone Jofra Archer to be benched from the playing XI instead, in a bid to avoid risks of another injury to the fast bowler. He added:

“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.”

Jofra Archer made his return to England’s Test team earlier this month with a match against India at Lord’s. He celebrated the occasion by picking up a five-wicket match haul, before getting worn out by Indian batters on a tough Day 5 grind at Old Trafford.

The fifth Test of the series between India and England will be played at The Oval in London from July 31 onwards.