Jofra Archer, the best pacer in England, has had an easy time returning to Test cricket. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) extended his central contract after he suffered ailments for years.
The 29-year-old’s journey in international cricket has been somewhat turbulent. The speedster’s career was frequently cut short by serious injuries. He first made his debut at the 2019 ODI World Cup and Ashes. His career has been ruined by stress fractures in his elbow and back.
With Archer’s recent extension of the central contract to October 2026, the ECB demonstrated its faith in his abilities. Archer played in 20 white-ball matches this year and took 10 wickets at an average of 19.00, It tied him for the most wickets in the T20 World Cup. Regarding Archer’s desire to play in Test matches, England captain Ben Stokes has been very outspoken.
It’s reasonable to be excited around Jofra Archer.
He is back playing on the pitch, which is the nicest thing. Stokes stated, “There is no hurrying back for anything for Jofra because I’m sure he might have believed he might not get another chance to wear an England shirt and the injuries and surgeries he’s had could have ended other people’s careers.”
He is doing so great right now: Ben Stokes
In addition, the pacer’s services have been signed by the Rajasthan Royals for the 2025 IPL. One possible target for the ECB’s plan is the home series against India, which starts at Lord’s on June 20. Late-June County Championship games might aid Archer in adjusting to the fast-paced nature of cricket.
“There will undoubtedly be discussions about him needing to receive some different loading when the choice is made between him and the individuals who make decisions on players. You can play a one-day game and receive two or three spells when you return. However, in Test cricket, you must accomplish that over an extended period of time and then support it with another day. He will need to strengthen his body to withstand the additional strain of a Test match, but there is no denying that he is performing so brilliantly right now,” Stokes continued.