Archer, despite having an England central contract, was not considered for the series opener at Lord's following a lengthy stint in the Indian Premier League.The 31-year-old rested up instead in his native Barbados as England, who are looking to recover from a humiliating Ashes series loss in Australia, started their international season with a comprehensive 115-run win over the Black Caps.England's pace attack made the most of excessively seam-friendly conditions in what was the 150th Test staged at Lord's, the most of any ground, with Ollie Robinson and Gus Atkinson taking seven wickets each and Josh Tongue bagging five.The trio will all expect to feature at the Oval, where England will bid to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.Express quick Archer, however, has long been regarded as a first-choice selection when fit and available.Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir did not send down a single over at Lord's but, with improved batting conditions expected at the Oval, England may decide they still need a specialist slow bowler.'Trust Jof'Archer is due back in England later this week and could to be added to the squad.
England cricket coach Brendon McCullum is confident that Joffra Archer will be in good shape when he arrives back © Glyn KIRK / AFP/File
