Jofra Archer made a remarkable return to Test cricket after more than four years at Lord’s. Sidelined since 2021 due to persistent injuries, Jofra Archer was included in the England squad but did not feature in the second Test at Edgbaston.
He finally returned in the third Test against India at Lord’s, claiming a wicket with his third ball. Although his first innings was quiet, Jofra Archer delivered crucial breakthroughs in the second innings, including dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant with a devastating delivery that clean bowled the Indian wicket-keeper batter.
Archer bowled 39.2 overs at consistently high speeds around 90 mph (145 kph), showcasing his fitness and rhythm. He will have a week to recover before the fourth Test starts on July 23 at Old Trafford. Confident in his form and fitness, Archer expressed his desire to play the final two Tests against India, emphasizing his commitment to helping England secure the series and his goal to be part of the Ashes tour to Australia later this year.
“I said I wanted to play”—Jofra Archer on the last two tests against India
Jofra Archer expressed his eagerness to play the last two Tests against India despite England likely managing his workload carefully. Having just made his first appearance under captain-coach duo Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum and following a long recovery from injuries, Archer feels ready to contribute. While all white-ball matches kept him busy, his return to Test cricket has been cautiously overseen due to the back-to-back nature of the fourth and fifth Tests.
“I said I wanted to play,” Archer told Sky Sports. “I can play the other two Tests if they let me. I don’t want to lose this series. I told Rob Key I wanted to play the Test summer and the Ashes. One box is ticked, and I’ll do everything I can to be on the plane in November.”
