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"I Can Play If...": Jofra Archer Insists On Playing Remaining India Tests And Ashes

Akshita Patel

Jofra Archer wants to continue playing Tests [Source: @heraldsunsport/X.com]Jofra Archer wants to continue playing Tests [Source: @heraldsunsport/X.com]

England fast bowler Jofra Archer has expressed his strong desire to play in the final two Test matches against India and also be part of the upcoming Ashes series in Australia later this year. Archer recently made a successful comeback to Test cricket during the third Test at Lord’s, where he took five wickets.

Archer, after four and a half years of struggle with injuries, returned to the red ball format at Lord’s during the third Test against India. 

He made an immediate impact by dismissing opener Yashasvi Jaiswal on the very third ball of his return. He went on to pick 5 wickets combined in two innings and helped his side win. 

Jofra Archer Defiant On Injury Management

Meanwhile, as revealed in a Sky Sports interview, Jofra Archer will bowl limited overs until December 2025 as the ECB plans to roll him out steadily and avert the risk of injury relapse.

However, Archer insists on continuing without any restriction. Talking to the BBC, the pacer said he is open to playing the remaining 2 Tests against India if the ECB allows him. 

Not only that, Archer has vowed to do everything in his power to stay fit and fly to Australia for the Ashes series scheduled in November this year.

"I can play the other two if they let me. I don't want to lose this series. I said I wanted to play the Test summer and I wanted to play the Ashes. One tick is already there and I will do everything possible in my power to be on the plane to Australia in November," Archer said.

Ahead of the fourth Test in Manchester, England has announced a 14-member squad. Veteran Liam Dawson has been recalled after eight years to replace the injured Shoaib Bashir, while Sam Cook has been left out.

Archer Praises ‘Bazball’ Despite Criticism

Since Brendon McCullum took charge as red-ball coach in 2022, England have won 25 of 39 Tests, a stark contrast to their previous poor run. Their attacking approach under captain Ben Stokes and coach McCullum was given the term ‘Bazball.’

However, in the Lord's Test against India, England’s scoring rate was poor, leading to criticism of ‘Bazball.’ Regardless, Jofra Archer is enjoying the new brand of cricket and praised both his coach and skipper for the transformation. 

"The guys have played some really exciting cricket since 'Baz' took over. The mentality of the team under 'Baz' suits the way I like to play. So, you know, I just couldn't wait to get back and actually do it without having to be prompted to do it," he added.

The fourth Test between India and England will be played on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester.