[WATCH] Jofra Archer marks first-class comeback, targets Test return versus India

Jofra Archer, England’s top bowler, has finally returned to playing first-class cricket with Sussex. Archer’s remarkable return against Durham after four years raised the possibility that he would be called up for the second Test match against India, which would begin on July 2 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Jofra Archer was unable to participate in the lengthier format because to a number of injuries, including a right elbow and, more recently, a thumb. He last played in a Test match against India in February 2021. Nevertheless, he has been able to play in shorter formats, such as the 2025 Indian Premier League season with the Rajasthan Royals.

Jofra Archer smashed a 31 in the current County Championship game at Chester-le-Street. He stitched a 57-run ninth-wicket stand with James Coles, who went on to hit an undefeated 117, thanks to his effort, which was laced with three fours and a six. Archer was first left out of Sussex’s official squad announcement, but England selector Luke Wright later verified the exclusion, stating that it was an administrative mistake.

Watch Jofra Archer’s red-ball comeback video here.

Fantastic to see Jofra Archer back with a red ball in hand pic.twitter.com/1TTjSmrikt

— Rothesay County Championship (@CountyChamp) June 23, 2025

Ben Stokes discusses Jofra Archer comeback.

Ahead of the opening Test match at Headingley, England captain Ben Stokes, meanwhile, reaffirmed Archer’s wish to wear the whites once more. Additionally, Stokes disclosed that Archer personally contacted them prior to the one-time Test match against Zimbabwe.

“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 Headingley Test pre-match news conference, Stokes had stated, “I know you’re feeling good, but we don’t want to rush it.”

The timing of Jofra Archer possible comeback is ideal. India crushed a 471-run first-innings total in the first Test, making England’s pace batteries appear unimpressive. England lacks an experienced pacer in their bowling lineup as Mark Wood is still recuperating from knee surgery. The Barbados native has taken 42 wickets at an economy rate of 2.99 in 13 games thus far.