In his six-year career, Jofra Archer has only participated in 13 Test matches, the most recent of which was against India in February 2021 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Given his history of ailments in recent years, the organisation is not in a rush to have the right-arm seamer return, despite his long-standing desire to play the game’s longest format.
Jofra Archer career in international cricket has been hindered by recurrent elbow issues and, more recently, a broken thumb. But during the five-match Test series against India, the 30-year-old is anticipated to make his red-ball comeback for the Three Lions.
Jofra Archer has been incredibly eager to play Test cricket, according to England captain Ben Stokes.
The renowned all-rounder said that the fast bowler messaged him before last month’s one-time Test match against Zimbabwe to ask if he was still considered for the team.
“He has been in a desperate attempt to don the white shirt once more. ‘Zim?’ he would occasionally text me out of the blue, meaning ‘Am I in for Zimbabwe?’ ‘Let’s just hold it there,’ I had to say. During the press conference before the game, Stokes stated, “I know you’re feeling good, but we don’t want to rush it.”
When the speedster plays for Sussex against Durham in the County Championship on Sunday, June 22, it is believed that he will take a significant step towards his comeback.
The English captain acknowledged his enthusiasm at the chance to have the right-arm pacer’s services soon and sympathised with Archer, who has missed a significant amount of cricket because of injuries.
“Despite having a terrible run of ailments, he has recently played a good amount of white-ball cricket. It’s promising for Jof more than it is for England. It’s encouraging that we can now set up a plan for his red-ball comeback,” Ben Stokes remarked.
Following their Test match against India, England will go to Australia later this year to play Pat Cummins and company in the Ashes. If he can lead his team to victory in these two crucial red-ball tasks, the Three Lions captain has a chance to become one of England’s greatest captains ever. The 34-year-old, however, stated that he isn’t overly focused on his own objectives and benchmarks while representing his nation.
We understand the significance of these series, so there’s always a different vibe when Australia or India are in town. However, I’ve never given any thought to how this would characterise my tenure as captain. That’s just not who I am, and it would be selfish. Since assuming the position, I would like to think that I have given it my all. I don’t waste time worrying about how others will see me when everything is said and done; instead, I concentrate on giving this team my best effort.”
India
