Ben Stokes lauded Jofra Archer as an "incredibly gifted cricketer" as the fast bowler continues to work towards his England Test return.

Archer received his first call-up to the national team in four years last year ahead of England's second Test against India, having been away due to elbow and back injuries.

He will have to wait for his long-awaited comeback, though, as England named an unchanged line-up, meaning he will not feature at Edgbaston, with the Test starting on Wednesday.

Archer is remaining with the squad this week in order to reintegrate himself into the England set-up, with an eye on potentially returning to the fold at Lord’s from July 10.

Stokes is impressed by the dedication Archer has shown, noting that his quality can change things for England.

"I have been in constant communication with him since his injury troubles hit him, and he was so determined to get back playing Test cricket and be available for selection," Stokes said.

"I think it is important for Jof to be around the group this week, as the last time he was in a Test dressing room, it was under a different regime.

"Hopefully, we will see him play a part in this series going forward, so time spent with other individuals is very important, not just the performances out on the field.

"Red ball, white ball, we all know he is an incredibly gifted cricketer.

"When he walks out for England and has the ball in his hand, the whole atmosphere of the game changes regardless of the situation.

"Facing him in the nets, he got the ball swinging quite nicely. It was effortless pace. It has been a while since I faced him, so it was a wake-up call for me."​​​​​​

Ramping up

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England have won 87.5% of their men's Tests against India at Edgbaston (W7 D1), their highest win rate against any team at any ground (min. 3 games).

The last meeting between the two sides here in July 2022 saw England script a record chase of 378 runs.

England have already pulled off an impressive chase in the series, with Ben Duckett's 149 helping them to hit their target of 371 runs on day five of the first Test.

Stokes recorded figures of 5-113 from 35 overs in the win at Headingley in what was just his second match since returning from a hamstring injury.

"I offered absolutely nothing to the world three days after that game! I was a shadow of my normal self, but that shows how much a five-day Test takes out of you," he said.

"I felt great going into the game - I had done everything possible to not have to worry about anything outside of what you normally worry about.

"I was able to back up spells throughout the day and thought I managed to maintain my pace, which is something I wanted to concentrate on.

"The ball came out nicely. I bowled for 35 overs, so it was a good week last week. Hopefully, I can produce something similar."