Fast bowler Jofra Archer could make his return to Test cricket after more than four years, having been included in Sussex’s squad for their trip to Durham starting on Sunday.
Archer has not bowled with a red ball since May 2021 for Sussex due to a series of injuries that delayed his return. Recently, he returned to international white-ball cricket for England, with his last appearance in the ICC Champions Trophy one-day defeat to South Africa in March.
England selector Luke Wright mentioned earlier this month that if Archer could play for Sussex, he might be available for the second Test against India next month. Captain Ben Stokes also noted that Archer, now 30, was eager to return to Test cricket.
Archer has not participated in First-Class cricket since 2021 due to significant injuries. He was not considered for the first Test against India at Headingley, starting this Friday, as he is recovering from a thumb injury suffered during the IPL.
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“He’s been absolutely desperate to put the white shirt back on. Randomly, a couple of times, he would just send me a text saying, ‘Zim?’,” Stokes said in the pre-first-Test press conference on Thursday.
“I was like, ‘Let’s just hold it there, all right. I know you’re in a good spot right now, but let’s not just rush into it’. He’s obviously had a horrific time with injuries, but he’s had some good amount of cricket, albeit in the white-ball formats. It’s really exciting for England, but also more exciting for Jof that he’s in a position now where we’re able to have a plan in place and hopefully him get through something to actually be considered for selection for Test cricket,” he added.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Archer Test Comeback Soon, To Make Red Ball Return After 4-Year Injury Break – News18
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