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Archer in contention for second Test of England-India series

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Jofra Archer could return for the second Test of England's upcoming series against India, having been omitted from their squad for the opening match.

England will face India in five red-ball matches in the coming weeks, with the first taking place at Headingley with play getting under way on June 20.

The series then moves to Edgbaston in early July, with Lord's, Old Trafford and The Oval hosting the final three matches.

Archer missed England's recent ODI series against West Indies with a thumb injury, while he has not played a first-class red-ball match for four years, having been hampered by a series of elbow and back issues.

However, coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes are keen for Archer to get some match action under his belt before England head to Australia for the Ashes in November.

National selector Luke Wright has now talked up the prospect of Archer making the Birmingham Test, telling Sky Sports: "Joff's trucking on really well, actually. The plans for him... he's playing a few second-team games.

"He's getting a few loading up in the second team for Sussex, and then the idea for him is to play for Sussex against Durham, I think, on the 23rd, just during the first Test.

"So, he'll play for Sussex if all things go well, and then if things go well, fingers crossed, he should be available for the second Test."

Meanwhile, fellow bowler Mark Wood was ruled out for around four months when he suffered a back injury during a Champions Trophy defeat to Afghanistan in February, and Wright is hopeful he could return later in the series. 

"I think Woody's now started bowling just lightly, to be honest. He's just off a few paces, but that's been a great sign," Wright added.

"So, he's on the road to recovery. I think he's more long-term. If we can get him back, he might have an option for the fourth or fifth Test."