Jofra Archer bowling - (Source :@Johns/X.com)
On Thursday, June 5, England And Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the squad for the first Test of a five-match series against India starting on June 20 with Ben Stokes leading the 14-member side. Jamie Overton returns for the first time in three years, while Gus Atkinson misses out.
Another noticeable absentee from the first Test is Jofra Archer, who was all set for a red-ball comeback with a stint for England Lions. However, due to a thumb injury he sustained during his IPL 2025 stint with Rajasthan Royals. The right-arm pacer was set to feature in England Lions' second unofficial Test against India-A before making his formal return to Test cricket.
Jofra Set To Return To Test Cricket After 4 Years
In the latest events, England's chief selector Luke Wright has delighted the England fans and confirmed that Archer is all set to play for Sussex later in the month and is in contention to be fit for the 2nd Test on July 2 at Edgbaston.
"Jof's also trucking along really well actually. The plan is for him to play a few second team games, loading up in the second team for Sussex. And then the idea for him is to play for Sussex against Durham during the first Test. So he'll play for Sussex if all things go well, and then if all things go well fingers crossed he should be available for the second Test," said Wright after the announcement of England'squad for 1st Test.
It is worth noting that it has been four years since Jofra Archer last played a Test match for England. His last appearance in the red-ball cricket against India on February 21, 2021.