Jofra Archer Poised for Potential Return in Second Test Against India

LONDON: England’s premier fast bowler, Jofra Archer, is making headway in his recovery and could potentially rejoin the squad for the second Test match against India. This update comes after he was sidelined for the initial Test due to an injury. National selector Luke Wright provided this encouraging news on Thursday.

Archer, who has been working to overcome his injury, was intentionally left out of the first Test lineup. This decision was made to ensure he attains peak fitness before being considered for selection.

To evaluate his current condition, Wright has suggested that Archer participate in a county cricket match for Sussex against Durham. This game will serve as a crucial assessment of his fitness levels.

“Jof is showing excellent progress. The plan involves him playing a few second-team matches to gradually increase his workload. Following this, he is scheduled to play for Sussex against Durham during the first Test window [June 22-25]. If everything proceeds as expected, we anticipate he will be available for selection in the second Test,” Wright stated.

Archer has been absent from first-class cricket since May 2021, largely due to a sequence of injuries. These have included several surgeries on his right elbow and a stress fracture in his back.

Initially, he was slated to make his red-ball comeback with England Lions in the second unofficial Test against India A. However, he was unfortunately sidelined again due to ligament damage in his thumb, an injury sustained while fielding in the Indian Premier League the previous month.

The second Test against India is scheduled to take place from July 2-6 at Edgbaston, following the first match at Headingley on June 20-24.

England is facing a demanding eight-month period, which includes five home Tests against India and the Ashes tour in Australia.

To date, Archer has claimed 42 wickets in 13 Tests, including two six-wicket hauls during the 2019 Ashes series. His most recent Test appearance was against India in Ahmedabad in February 2021.

“As with any fast bowler, it’s essential that he consistently achieves milestones each day without any setbacks. Successfully completing the Durham game would make him a viable option for selection in the second Test,” Wright added.

England’s five-match Test series against India is set to continue with further matches at Edgbaston and Lord’s, as the team aims to gain a competitive advantage against the visiting side.