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Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Jofra Archer primed for Test reward after four years of 'heartache and pain'
Jofra Archer has been included in the England squad for the second Test of the summer against India after bowling just 18 overs in red ball cricket for the first time in four years England supremo Rob Key says Jofra Archer's Test comeback after a four-year intermission will be his reward for fighting through the 'heartache and pain.' Archer was included in the squad for the second Test against India, starting at Edgbaston on Wednesday, after bowling just 18 overs in red-ball cricket since 2021. And managing director Key insists he never gave up hope of seeing England's 2019 World Cup final super-over hero unleashed on the Test stage again - despite his litany of elbow and back injuries. Archer bowled 18 overs for Sussex in their county championship draw with Durham earlier this week, taking 1-32, and that was enough to convince the England think-tank it was time to recall their Barbados-born warhead. Speaking at an event for Test sponsors Rothesay, Key said: 'I've never been worried that he wouldn't be back because he's always shown that he wanted it. "I'm no expert on the medical side, but we've got some brilliant physios and doctors who use the best specialists in the world, whether it was his elbow, his back or whatever. 'So if you go on what they say, and if they think there's a chance, Jofra's always been adamant that he's wanted to play Test cricket again. 'He could have been tempted to go down other routes (like franchise cricket) and he's never once done it. I've always had faith in Jofra, he'a always wanted to do it. 'Bowlers do go through a bit of heartache and pain, but you hope at some point they find a period where they can just play. 'Is 18 overs enough? I think you watch and see how it's coming out, you can see how he's bowling and track everything he's doing and how he feels. 'And I think he just found it mentally more challenging, just adapting to it than anything else, and he'll get better and better throughout the Test series. 'For any fast bowler, not just Jofra, you want to be at the stage where they can impact the game. 'I don't really think in terms of whether it might too much too soon - Jofra is one of the best bowlers in the world, Just think he'll bowl a decent pace and ask a few questions along the way. 'Hopefully for the next few years we'll be fortunate enough to see Jofra have a chance to stake that claim. He ain't going to forget how to bowl, so when we make that call we're not concerned. 'He's 30 years old now, he knows exactly what he's doing and what he's about. He's got a few more years to come.' Former England captain Michael Vaughan called the five-wicket win at Headingley, where England chased down 371 with 14 overs to spare on the final day to go 1-0 up in the series, 'Bazball with brains.' But Key admitted: 'I'm still not mad on the Bazball thing so I wouldn't call it anything. But the message is the same - if someone bowls poorly, you put them to the sword, and if they bowl well you find a way to get through it.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Jofra Archer back in England Test squad against India after four-year absence
Paceman Jofra Archer has been named in England's squad for the second Test against India after an absence of more than four years. The 30-year old fast bowler, hampered by injuries during his career, has played just 13 Tests and none since February 2021. His most recent match for England was in March against South Africa in a one-day international at the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search ads Learn More Undo Archer returned to first-class action for his English county team Sussex for the first time in four years on Sunday, taking a single wicket in the drawn match against Durham. He admitted returning to red-ball cricket was a mental challenge but said he was ready for Test cricket. Live Events "Yeah. I guess so," he told the BBC. "I just want to get through the game. I'm glad I've finished a day of four-day cricket." Ben Stokes 's team secured a thrilling five-wicket win on Tuesday in the series opener against India at Headingley. Archer's addition on Thursday was the only change to the squad for next week's second Test in Birmingham. The Barbados-born player burst onto the scene in 2019, hailed as a key weapon for England in their search for genuine pace to unsettle opponents. He bowled the decisive super over in England's World Cup win over New Zealand at Lord's in 2019 and took 22 wickets in four Tests that followed against Australia in the drawn Ashes series. But Archer was dogged by an elbow injury first sustained in 2020 that required multiple operations and had to work his way back from a recurring stress fracture in his back, first sustained in 2022. He was ruled out of England's recent ODI series against the West Indies with a thumb injury sustained while playing for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League. Archer has taken 42 Test wickets in his 13 Tests at an average of 31. Warwickshire batter Jacob Bethell and bowlers Sam Cook and Jamie Overton, who did not feature at Headingley, have retained their places in the squad for the second Test, which starts at Edgbaston on July 2. England squad Ben Stokes (capt), Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wkt), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes
India.com
5 days ago
- Sport
- India.com
Jofra Archer To Make Comeback In IND vs ENG 2nd Test? Heres What We Know
England may be about to unleash one of their most lethal weapons as reports suggest Jofra Archer could return for the second Test against India at Edgbaston on July 2. The 30-year-old fast bowler, whose career has been plagued by injuries, is reportedly set to make his red-ball comeback for Sussex in their County Championship match against Durham beginning June 22. Although Archer's name was initially absent from Sussex's official 12-man squad, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed he will be traveling with the team to Chester-le-Street — a quiet move believed to be aimed at avoiding media attention. Also Read: Rishabh Pant To Get Banned? ICC Investigates Heated Ball Change Outburst During IND vs ENG Headingley Test The Barbados-born pacer last played first-class cricket in May 2021, a match he couldn't complete due to a recurring right elbow injury. Since then, Archer has been restricted to white-ball formats, featuring in the 2025 IPL season for Rajasthan Royals before a thumb injury sidelined him once again. This injury also kept him out of the first Test of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, which India dominated with a 471-run first innings at Headingley. Concerns peaked when Sussex left Archer out of their official squad announcement on Saturday. But England selector Luke Wright later clarified the omission was a mistake, reaffirming Archer's inclusion in the travelling party and his readiness to play — barring any last-minute setbacks. England's Bowling Crisis Deepens The return of Jofra Archer couldn't come at a more critical juncture. England's pace attack, led by Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes, looked toothless in the series opener. With Mark Wood still recovering from knee surgery and James Anderson being rested, the team is lacking firepower against a confident Indian batting lineup led by new skipper Shubman Gill. Archer's presence could offer England the aggressive edge they desperately need. His ability to extract pace and bounce, even from docile surfaces, makes him a match-winner in red-ball cricket. In 13 Tests, he has taken 42 wickets, and if he proves his fitness this week, he's expected to walk back into the playing XI for Edgbaston or potentially the third Test at Lord's from July 10. Ben Stokes and the Archer Connection England captain Ben Stokes has long expressed his desire to see Archer back in whites. Speaking earlier this month, Stokes said: 'Randomly, a couple of times he would just send me a text... I was like, 'Let's just hold it there. I know you're in a good spot right now but let's not rush it.'' Stokes emphasized how Archer's long list of injuries has been mentally and physically draining for the player, but also shared optimism: 'It's really exciting for England — but even more so for Jof — that he's finally in a position where we can plan a proper return.' The Verdict: Will Archer Play the 2nd Test? While Archer's fitness remains the ultimate variable, the signs are promising. If he completes the County match unscathed, England's selectors are likely to fast-track his return to Test cricket. With the Ashes 2025 looming, building match fitness and confidence will be crucial — and a high-profile series against India is the perfect proving ground. Until then, England fans will watch Sussex's game at Chester-le-Street closely, hoping to see Jofra Archer in rhythm, pain-free, and ready to don the England whites once again.
Mint
5 days ago
- Sport
- Mint
Jofra Archer eyes England return in IND vs ENG 2nd Test after pacer makes first-class cricket comeback after four years
Jofra Archer is aiming for a Test return after four long years after the England pacer was named in the Sussex playing XI against Durham in a County Championship 2025 Division One match on Sunday. The 30-year-old Barbados-born cricketer, who wasn't a part of the Sussex squad initially, was added late ahead of their the four-day red-ball fixture at the Seat Unique Riverside Stadium. Archer is expected to bowl later in the match against Durham after Sussex opted to bat first having won the toss. He was also not originally part of the 12-member travelling squad but travelled to Chester-le-Street later. The last time Archer played as Test was against India. Post that, frequent injuries to his elbow and back have kept him out of the game. He didn't play a single game in 2022. Although he returned to action in 2023, but was soon injured again. He made a full-fledged return to cricket towards the end of 2024. In fact, Archer's last played a first-class match for Sussex was in May 2021 against Kent. If all goes well for Archer and if he remains injury-free against Durham, the England could be considered for the second Test match against India, which starts on July 2 at Edgbaston. Archer was initially included in England's white-ball tour to West Indies recently, but a thumb injury that he sustained while playing for Rajasthan Royals during the Indian Premier League (IPL). The England speedster had a steady run in IPL 2025, playing 12 matches for Rajasthan Royals and picking up 11 wickets. He was also one of the fastest bowlers in IPL 2025, clocking 152.3 kmph against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. In 13 Tests so far, Archer has taken 42 wickets at an average of 31.04, including two six-wicket hauls during the 2019 Ashes.
Courier-Mail
7 days ago
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
England vs India first Test: Jofra Archer injury, Ashes dates, highlights
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cricket. Followed categories will be added to My News. England captain Ben Stokes says Jofra Archer is 'absolutely desperate' to be involved in the upcoming home series against India and so revive a Test career that has been stalled for more than four years. Archer enjoyed a spectacular start with England in 2019. The Barbados-born fast bowler played a key role in the team's 50-over World Cup final win at Lord's and made his presence felt in a dramatic drawn Ashes series with Australia. For all his undeniable talent, a succession of injury problems have blighted the Sussex speedster's career. Archer played the last of his 13 Tests in February 2021. England have kept faith with Archer. He is due to make his first-class return for Sussex against Durham on Sunday as part of a plan that could see him feature during a five-match series with India that starts at Headingley on Friday. X SUBSCRIBER ONLY Archer's latest rehabilitation has been delayed by a broken thumb, although that did not stop the 30-year-old pushing for what might have been a rushed return in last month's one-off Test against Zimbabwe. 'He's been absolutely desperate to put the white shirt back on,' Stokes told a pre-match press conference at Headingley on Thursday. 'Randomly, a couple of times, he would just send me a text saying, 'Zim?' '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'.' Stokes added: '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.' X SUBSCRIBER ONLY Express quick Archer's return would be a boost to England's attack as they prepare to face two major rivals over the next seven months, with an Ashes tour of Australia following the India series. Were he to become an Ashes-winning skipper 'Down Under', Stokes would join a select group of England captains, although the all-rounder himself says he is not concerned by his place in cricket history. 'Defining a career as England captain isn't something that I sit there and really think about, honestly,' he said. 'If that's what I'm really bothered about, in my opinion it's just completely and utterly selfish and that ain't me. 'jdg/pb Originally published as England vs India first Test: Jofra Archer eyes return after overcoming injury
