Jofra Archer has taken 42 wickets across his 13 Tests Fast bowler Jofra Archer is in Sussex's squad to play Durham in the County Championship on Sunday, putting him in line for a long-awaited return to red-ball cricket. Archer, 30, has not played a first-class match for more than four years aftera series of injuries, most notably to his right elbow and back. He has returned to the international fold in white-ball cricket but an appearance in the Division One fixture at Chester-le-Street would be a significant step, which England hope will lead to him playing Test cricket this year. England selector Luke Wright said earlier this month that if Archer comes through the four days for Sussex he could be available for the second Test against India, which starts on 2 July at Edgbaston. Having bowled the decisive super over in the World Cup final earlier that summer, Archer made a thrilling start to his Test career during the 2019 Ashes and was viewed as a generational talent. He took 22 wickets at 20.27 across four Tests and bowled an electric spell to Steve Smith at Lord's, which resulted in the Australia batter retiring hurt after being hit in the neck. Archer played a further nine Tests but has not featured in whites for England since the third Test in India in 2021. He struggled with an issue in his right elbow on that tour and stress fractures in the joint have required multiple surgeries. He also suffered a stress fracture to his back in 2022. He has not played any red-ball cricket since a County Championship match for Sussex against Kent in May 2021. Archer missed the recent T20 and 50-over matches against West Indieswith a minor thumb injurybut he has otherwise come through 12 months of white-ball cricket unscathed, having returned for last year's T20 World Cup and featured at the Champions Trophy earlier this year. England have painstakingly managed his schedule over the past 12 months in the hope Archer, who can still reach speeds above 90mph, could yet play a significant role against India and then Australia in the Ashes this winter. Earlier this week, Test captain Ben Stokes revealed Archer texted him about the possibility of playing in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge but instead, while Stokes' side play India in the first Test at Headingley, an eye will be kept on Archer when he does return in the north east.
Archer set for red-ball return with Sussex
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"Jofra Archer to Make Red-Ball Cricket Return with Sussex Against Durham"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Jofra Archer, the fast bowler renowned for his explosive talent, is set to make a significant return to red-ball cricket with Sussex in their upcoming match against Durham in the County Championship. At 30 years old, Archer has not participated in a first-class game for over four years due to a series of injuries, particularly affecting his right elbow and back. His inclusion in Sussex's squad marks a pivotal moment, as it may pave the way for his return to Test cricket later this year. England's selectors are optimistic about his potential contributions, with Luke Wright indicating that if Archer successfully completes the four-day match, he could be considered for the second Test against India, scheduled to begin on July 2 at Edgbaston. This comeback is particularly crucial for Archer, who previously showcased his exceptional skills during the 2019 Ashes series and has a notable record of 42 wickets across 13 Tests.
Since his last first-class appearance in May 2021, Archer has faced numerous setbacks, including stress fractures in his elbow and back, which have necessitated multiple surgeries. Despite these challenges, he has made a successful return to international white-ball cricket, participating in tournaments such as the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy. England's management has carefully monitored his playing schedule to ensure that he remains fit and ready for the upcoming challenges against India and the Ashes series this winter. Test captain Ben Stokes has also mentioned Archer's interest in playing a one-off Test against Zimbabwe, although that opportunity may not materialize as the focus shifts to the series against India. As Archer prepares for his return in the northeast, both fans and selectors will be keenly watching his performance to assess his readiness for a return to the Test arena, where he once dazzled with his pace and skill.
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