MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (AFP) — Jofra Archer was recalled yesterday to England’s squad for their series decider against the West Indies as they weighed up whether star all-rounder Ben Stokes would be fit to bowl in the third Test at Old Trafford starting today.

Archer returned despite saying he might not play following racist abuse he received after being left out of the second Test for a breach of coronavirus regulations.

But whether the fast bowler is in the same pace attack as Stokes remains to be seen.

Stokes rose to the top of the Test all-rounder rankings on the back of scoring 176 and 78 not out in England’s 113-run series-levelling win at Old Trafford completed Monday.

He also took three wickets but pulled up midway through his final over, with England Captain Joe Root revealing yesterday that Stokes had suffered a quad injury.

Archer is available after missing England’s series-levelling win at the same ground following a breach of coronavirus protocols.

In a Daily Mail column published on Wednesday, the 25-year-old admitted to an error of judgement, but said he had not “committed a crime”.

But as they showed during their 113-run win in the second Test, England have plenty of pace bowling options, with Stuart Broad taking six wickets on his return to international duty.

England have been rotating their seamers throughout a series that forms part of a gruelling schedule of six Tests, including three against Pakistan, in seven weeks.

Veteran spearhead Anderson could now return on his Lancashire home ground, having been rested from the series-levelling win, as could Mark Wood.

Meanwhile left-armer Jack Leach, who will turn the ball away from the tourists’ clutch of right-handed batsmen, may be recalled in place of fellow Somerset spinner Don Bess.

Someone unlikely to be rested, barring injury, is Stokes.

The Durham star went to the top of the Test all-rounder rankings and number three in the batting charts with 176 and 78 not out, as well as taking three wickets, in the penultimate match of this series.

“To have that talent in our team and to be able to watch it first-hand is amazing,” said Anderson.

West Indies, the Wisden Trophy holders, remain in the hunt for their first Test series victory in England since 1988.

“We’re constantly reminding them that they’ve got a chance to change something that hasn’t happened for 32 years,” said West Indies Assistant Coach Roddy Estwick, whose side won the first Test at Southampton by four wickets.

While England have rotated their seamers, the West Indies could field the same pace quartet of Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph and captain Jason Holder for all three matches.

Both Gabriel and Joseph left the field with minor injuries during the second Test but Estwick said: “Shannon was ready to go into the nets today [Wednesday] to have a bowl. The rain curtailed that but I think they’ll be fine.

“I saw Kemar last night and he was looking fresh.”

The West Indies also have the option of bringing in giant spinner Rahkeem Cornwall on a pitch expected to take turn.

Batting, however, remains West Indies’ major problem in a series where they’ve yet to post an individual hundred, although several batsmen have shown their talent with attractive fifties.

“It is disappointing,” said West Indies coach Phil Simmons, who could replace members of his misfiring top order with Joshua da Silva and Shayne Moseley.

“Our batsmen need to make hundreds because our bowlers have been doing their jobs.”