England fast bowler Jofra Archer has made a long-awaited return to red-ball cricket after nearly four years, turning out for Sussex in their County Championship clash against Durham. The 30-year-old’s comeback has reignited hopes of a possible return to England’s Test side for the second match against India, set to begin on July 2 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Archer last played a Test in February 2021, also against India, before a series of injuries—most notably to his right elbow and later his thumb—kept him out of action in the longer format. While he remained active in shorter formats, including a stint with Rajasthan Royals in the 2025 IPL, his red-ball appearances had dried up until now.
At Chester-le-Street, Archer made an instant impact. Batting in the lower order, he scored a quick 31 runs, including three fours and a six, and built a vital 57-run partnership for the ninth wicket with James Coles, who remained unbeaten on 117. Interestingly, Archer wasn’t initially named in Sussex’s squad for the match, but England selector Luke Wright later clarified it was an administrative mistake.
Stokes confirms Archer is eager to return
England captain Ben Stokes also weighed in on Archer’s return, praising his commitment and revealing that Archer has been pushing for a comeback. “He’s been absolutely desperate to put the white shirt back on,” said Stokes in the pre-match press conference ahead of the first Test at Headingley. “Out of the blue, he’d sometimes text me saying, ‘Zim?’—as in, ‘Am I in for Zimbabwe?’ I had to tell him, ‘Let’s just hold it there. I know you’re feeling good, but we don’t want to rush it.’”
Archer’s return could not be more timely. England’s pace attack struggled in the first Test, with India posting a massive first-innings total of 471. With Mark Wood still on the sidelines recovering from knee surgery, England are in need of experience and firepower. Archer, with 42 wickets in 13 Tests at an economy of 2.99, offers just that.
All eyes will now be on England’s squad announcement for the second Test, with fans and selectors hopeful that Archer will be fit and ready to rejoin the Test arena.