Jofra Archer on Brink of Test Comeback Against India, Could Feature in Second Test

Jofra Archer in Contention for Second Test vs India, Fitness Test Looms Jofra Archer could feature in the second Test against India at Edgbaston next month, according to England’s national selector, Luke Wright—provided he proves his fitness in an upcoming County Championship match for Sussex against Durham at Chester-le-Street in two weeks. Archer, 30, has not played first-class cricket in over four years, having battled a series of injuries including multiple elbow surgeries and a stress fracture in his back. He was set for a red-ball return with England Lions in their current series against India A, but a thumb ligament injury sustained while fielding in the IPL last month ruled him out. Wright acknowledged Archer’s readiness hinges on passing this next fitness test, but his potential return offers England a significant boost ahead of the high-profile series against India. Jofra Archer Nearing Return for Second Test vs India as England Eyes Pace Reinforcements Jofra Archer is closing in on a return to England’s Test squad, with selectors hopeful he will be fit and available for the second Test against India at Edgbaston (July 2–6), pending his performance and recovery during Sussex’s County Championship fixture vs Durham (June 22–25), which coincides with the first Test. Archer, 30, has not played first-class cricket since May 2021 and has endured a long battle with injuries, most notably to his right elbow and a stress fracture in his back. His most recent Test appearance came in February 2021 against India in Ahmedabad. He has taken 42 wickets at 31.04 from 13 Tests, including two six-wicket hauls in the 2019 Ashes. “Jof's also trucking along really well actually,” said Luke Wright, England’s national selector. “The plan is for him to load up with a few second XI games and then play for Sussex during the first Test. If all goes well, he should be available for the second Test.” Archer had been scheduled for a red-ball return with the England Lions this month but was ruled out due to a thumb ligament injury picked up while fielding in the IPL. Wright stressed that Archer’s availability is still dependent on daily progress without setbacks, but optimism remains high. England's Fast-Bowling Recovery Pipeline Archer is not alone on the comeback trail: Mark Wood (knee surgery in March) and Olly Stone (knee surgery in April) —are both bowling again and could be considered for the latter stages of the India series. Gus Atkinson, one of England’s breakout stars of 2024, misses the first Test due to a hamstring injury sustained during the Zimbabwe Test earlier this year. Upcoming Fixtures in India Series: 1st Test – June 20–24, Headingley 2nd Test – July 2–6, Edgbaston 3rd Test – July 10–14, Lord’s 4th Test – July 25–29, Trent Bridge 5th Test – August 7–11, The Oval The series marks the beginning of a defining stretch for England’s Test side, which will also tour Australia for the Ashes later this year.