Stuart Broad has cautioned England against over-bowling Jofra Archer in their series against India, warning against playing him in the back-to-back final Test at The Oval later this week.
Speaking on Sky Sports Cricket, the former bowler reflected on England's bowling workloads during the series in the aftermath of the Old Trafford Test. India held out for a draw on the final day in Manchester, batting out 143 overs in the third innings to keep the series scoreline at 2-1. England's pace bowlers looked increasingly tired as the day wore on, with only one Test left to play in the series.
Ben Stokes was seen massaging his upper pectoral muscle early in the day, clearly also nursing a problem with his arm. He retired hurt with cramp for a while during his batting innings, returning to complete a statement century. Along with Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes, he has played every Test in the series so far.
Archer made his return to the Test format after four years spent on the sidelines with a string of injury problems at the Lord's Test. He immediately found success to take a wicket in his first over back into the format, and played again in Manchester after over a week's break. However, there are only three days separating the fourth and fifth Tests, with the first day at The Oval set to get underway on Thursday (July 31).
"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," said Broad. "[Josh] Tongue started the series, and I know he mainly got lower-order players out, but you probably have a natural replacement for Archer."
Nasser Hussain also chipped in on how England should rotate their attack in South London. "I don't think you can have Archer playing three on the bounce coming back after four years," said 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."
England add fast-bowler cover to their squad for the fifth Test
The morning after the final day in Manchester, England announced that Jamie Overton had been added to their squad for the final Test of the series. Overton was originally included in the squad to face India in the first Test at Headingley, but was released after not making the final XI. If he is to play this week, it would be his second Test appearance, and on his home county ground.
England also have Josh Tongue as an option to bring back into the XI. Tongue took 11 wickets across the first two games but hasn't been seen in the side since. There's also Gus Atkinson, who played England's first Test of the summer against Zimbabwe but picked up a hamstring injury. He was included in England's squads both at Lord's and in Manchester, but wasn't selected to play in either game.
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