England have announced an unchanged playing XI for the second Test against India at Edgbaston, Birmingham, putting an end to speculation surrounding Jofra Archer’s potential return to the Test side. The Ben Stokes-led team, buoyed by their series-opening win at Headingley, will look to continue their momentum with the same combination as they aim to go 2-0 up in the five-match series.

The decision shuts the door, at least for now, on Jofra Archer’s much-anticipated Test comeback. Though Archer was added to the squad after returning to first-class cricket with Essex, he was left out of the playing XI. Reports suggest the pacer also missed England’s June 30 training session due to a family emergency.

England’s batting line-up remains unchanged, with Ben Duckett — Player of the Match in Leeds — once again opening alongside Zak Crawley. Duckett’s crucial second-innings 149 helped England chase down 371, and Crawley, who found form after a rough first innings against Jasprit Bumrah, will look to carry that rhythm forward. The middle order will once again feature the ever-reliable Joe Root, Harry Brook, and captain Ben Stokes.

England Playing XI, Edgbaston Test

• Zak Crawley
• Ben Duckett
• Ollie Pope
• Joe Root
• Harry Brook
• Ben Stokes (C)
• Jamie Smith (WK)
• Chris Woakes
• Brydon Carse
• Josh Tongue
• Shoaib Bashir

In the bowling department, England have opted to retain their lone spinner Shoaib Bashir, who held his own on a seam-friendly Headingley pitch. The pace attack will consist of Josh Tongue — the standout from the first innings with a four-wicket haul — along with Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Stokes himself, who played a key role with the ball in both innings.

With Jofra Archer not featuring, England have shown faith in the group that delivered at Headingley. Their challenge now will be to replicate that clinical performance on the Edgbaston surface, which could offer more for spinners as the match progresses.

On the other side, Shubman Gill’s India will be desperate for a turnaround. The young captain is still chasing his first win in charge and will hope his team can build on the positives from their first innings in Leeds, where they showed glimpses of promise before collapsing in the second.

With the series poised delicately, all eyes now turn to Edgbaston — where England aim to assert dominance, and India look to spark a new era under fresh leadership.

– Ends