England fast bowler Jofra Archer is set to play red-ball cricket for the first time in over four years, having been included in Sussex’s squad to face Durham in the County Championship on Sunday at Chester-le-Street.
Archer, 30, has not featured in a first-class match since May 2021 due to a series of injuries, including stress fractures in his right elbow and back. His return marks a key moment in England’s plans for the summer Test series.
Despite his omission from Sussex’s published squad, Archer travelled with the team and is expected to be in contention for selection.
The England and Wales Cricket Board has carefully managed Archer’s comeback over the past year. He played in last year’s T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy earlier this year but missed the recent white-ball matches against West Indies due to a thumb injury.
If he completes the four-day fixture unscathed, Archer could be considered for England’s second Test against India at Edgbaston, beginning on 2 July, according to selector Luke Wright.
Archer made his Test debut in the 2019 Ashes, where he impressed with 22 wickets in four matches. However, his last appearance in whites came during the 2021 tour of India.
Test captain Ben Stokes recently said Archer expressed interest in the upcoming one-off Test against Zimbabwe, but England will closely monitor his performance in the north east as they prepare for the five-Test series against India.
