ENG vs IND: Will Jofra Archer play last two tests against India? England speedster responds

Jofra Archer made a comeback to test cricket after four long years in the Lord’s test.

After being ruled out of test cricket for four years due to multiple injury issues, Jofra Archer made a rollicking comeback to the longest format of the game. Archer, who last played a test in 2021, also against India, was included in the England squad, but didn’t play the first second test at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

He made his return at the Lord’s against India and took a wicket with his third ball of the game. Though he had a quiet first innings, Archer produced some magical balls in the second innings as England defended 193 runs and dismissed the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, the latter with an amazing delivery that clean bowled the dangerous India wicket-keeper batter.

Archer will have a week to recuperate before the fourth test, which begins on July 23 at Old Trafford, after he completed 39.2 overs while keeping his speeds around 90 mph/145 kph.

“I said I wanted to play”—Jofra Archer on the last two tests against India

Although England will probably strictly monitor his workload, Archer stated that he would be eager to participate in the two remaining games against India.

The bowler was relieved that the lengthy recuperation periods had paid off, as this was Archer’s maiden appearance under the captain-coach duo of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.

Archer, who played nearly all white-ball matches, had been carefully controlled on the way back to test cricket. It has been argued that England will need to manage the pacer’s workload because the fourth test at Old Trafford and the fifth test at The Oval are back-to-back.

“I can play the other two [against India] if they let me. Don’t want to lose this series. I told Keysey [England men’s managing director, Rob Key] I wanted to play the Test summer and I wanted to play the Ashes. I think one tick is already there, and I will do everything possible in my power to be on the plane in November,” Archer told Sky Sports.

The fourth test in Manchester begins on Jul 23, and the fifth and last test at the Oval starts on July 31.

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