Jofra Archer is set to return to first-class cricket for the first time in four years on Sunday – despite initial confusion over whether he would play for Sussex away at Durham.
The England fast bowler was not named in a 12-player squad for the County Championship match, raising concerns he had suffered another injury setback in a career blighted by them.
But the England and Wales Cricket Board later clarified Archer was in Sussex’s travelling group for the match at Chester-le-Street.
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England selector Luke Wright recently confirmed that Archer is being earmarked for a return to Test cricket against India
If Archer, who has only played white-ball cricket for England since 2021 after elbow and back injuries, comes through the match unscathed he could be in the mix to play in the second Test against India at Edgbaston from July 2 or the third at Lord’s from July 10.
The 30-year-old old was due to make a red-ball comeback for the England Lions against India A earlier this month only for a thumb injury sustained playing for Rajasthan Royals at the IPL to scupper that, as well as his participation in the ODIs against West Indies.
Archer has taken 42 wickets in 13 Tests at an average of 31.04 since making his debut against Australia in 2019 and England captain Ben Stokes said earlier this week that the bowler was eager to return to the longest format of international cricket.
Archer has only played white-ball cricket for England since 2021
“Randomly, a couple of times he would just send me a text saying, ‘Zim[babwe]?'” said Stokes, referencing England’s innings victory at Trent Bridge in May.
“I was like, ‘Let’s just hold it there, alright. I know you’re in a good spot right now but let’s not just rush into it’.
“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.”
