LONDON AFP: World Cup-winner Jofra Archer is in line to make his eagerly-awaited Test debut after being included in England’s 12-man squad for next week’s second Ashes Test against Australia at Lord’s, while Moeen Ali was left out on Friday.
Fast bowler Archer could replace James Anderson after England’s all-time leading wicket-taker was ruled out with a calf injury that restricted him to sending down just four overs in a 251-run first-Test defeat by Ashes holders Australia at Edgbaston.
Archer missed that match because of a side problem but has since proved his fitness in a second-team fixture for county side Sussex against Gloucestershire, taking 6-27 and hitting a quick-fire century.
England also have another seam-bowling option in Surrey left-armer Sam Curran.
Fast bowler Olly Stone, who was in the squad for the first Test but did not play, has been ruled out with a back injury.
Meanwhile, off-spinner Moeen has been dropped, with left-armer Jack Leach recalled into the squad ahead of Wednesday’s start at Lord’s.
Moeen was omitted after a miserable match at Edgbaston.