Stuart Broad supports Atkinson and cautions against using Jofra Archer in the Oval Test as India and England struggle with injuries.

India and England travel to London for the fifth and final Test of the five-match Test series, which begins on Thursday, July 31 and features the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy on the line. Prior to the fifth Test, which has the shortest turnaround period throughout the two-month trip, both teams will need to address a number of injury issues.

Rishabh Pant’s toe fracture during the Manchester Test has caused India a far greater headache. Due to injuries to pacers Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah must control his exertion and is unsure if he will play in the Oval Test. England’s pace attack, which has seen Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Ben Stokes bowl tirelessly for the last four Test matches, will also worry them.

The main question, though, would be whether or not to use Jofra Archer in the Oval Test. Archer played the final two Test matches for England in the series and returned to the national team after more than four years of enduring ailments. Stuart Broad, a former cricket player for England, believes Archer should be rested and not play in the last Test.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Broad stated, “We can’t let Archer go for four years, bring him back, and then bowl him into the ground and not see him for another four years.”

Regarding the possible Archer replacement, he continued, “(Josh) Tongue started the series, and I know he mainly got lower-order players out, but you probably have a natural replacement for Archer.”

In addition, Broad stated that Gus Atkinson ought to replace Carse in the England starting lineup.

Gus Atkinson should play, in my opinion. We must see him, even if I am aware that he has not had any employment. In Test cricket, he hasn’t yet faced any serious opposition from elite players. (Brydon) In the fourth Test, Carse appeared exhausted. He has been a trier and given absolutely everything, but looks like his legs have left him for this series, so Atkinson gets the nod,” he said.