Stuart Broad wants England to make an important change for fifth Test vs India

Former England seamer and commentator Stuart Broad wants Jofra Archer to be rested for the final Test against India at the Kennington Oval in London, adding that he doesn’t want the pacer to be pushed too hard after consecutive Test appearances at Lord’s and Manchester.

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Furthermore, Broad stated that Gus Atkinson, who has been included for the fifth and final Test, should be included in the playing XI. It’s important to note that Archer made his Test comeback at Lord’s after a four-year gap.

"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,” Broad told Sky Sports Cricket.

"I think Gus Atkinson has to play. I know he has not had any workload, but we need to see him. He hasn't been really challenged against top-level opposition in Test cricket yet," Broad added.

"[Brydon] Carse looked knackered in the fourth Test. He's been a trier and given absolutely everything, but it looks like his legs have gone. So Atkinson gets the nod," he stated.

Though the fifth Test plays a crucial role for England as they are already leading the series by 2-1, Broad asserted that England should look at the bigger picture of giving Archer enough rest ahead of The Ashes.

"This is a big Test, but so is the Ashes. England must think long-term. Pushing Jofra now could come at a serious cost later,” he asserted.

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It’s worth noting that England has pacers like Josh Tongue and Jamie Overton in their squad. While Tongue impressed everyone with his tight lines and lengths in the start of the series, he was later dropped with Archer coming in.

England squad for the fifth Test vs India: Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.

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