England pacer Jofra Archer is eager to continue his Test comeback, targeting the remaining two matches against India and setting his sights firmly on the upcoming Ashes series.
Archer’s Impactful Return
Jofra Archer made a significant return to Test cricket last week at Lord’s, marking his first appearance in the format since 2021. His performance was crucial in England’s 22-run victory over India, pushing them to a 2-1 lead in the series.
Despite previous concerns about his workload management, Archer appeared both quick and fit throughout the match. He ended with impressive figures of five wickets for 107 runs across 39.3 overs, showcasing his enduring talent.
Eyeing the Remaining Series and Ashes
Following his successful comeback, Archer has made it clear he intends to play a full part in England’s Test summer. He expressed his desire to play in the upcoming two Tests against India, telling Sky Sports, “I can play the other two if they let me.”
His ambitions don’t stop there. Archer has also set his sights on the prestigious Ashes series later this year. “I told Keysy (ECB managing director Rob Key) that I wanted to play the Test summer and I wanted to play the Ashes,” he revealed.
Confidence in Fitness
Concerns about Archer’s long-term fitness have been a recurring theme, but he remains unfazed. The fast bowler isn’t worried about potential breakdowns, believing his contributions at Lord’s were simply in line with his teammates’ efforts.
“I think everybody put their body on the line, so it’d be a bit bad if I didn’t as well,” Archer stated. He acknowledged that the final day of the Lord’s Test was a blur but emphasized that taking wickets is paramount, not just bowling fast.
Thriving in the ‘Bazball’ Era
Archer’s return also marks his first experience of England’s ‘Bazball’ approach under coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. This aggressive, fearless style of play seems to perfectly suit the pacer’s natural game.
He admitted that Test cricket is the most challenging format to return to after focusing on white-ball cricket for the past couple of years. However, the team’s new mentality has reignited his passion for the long format.
“The mentality of the team under Baz (McCullum) suits the way I like to play my cricket, so I just couldn’t wait to get back and actually do it,” Archer shared, highlighting his eagerness to continue contributing.
- Jofra Archer played his first Test since 2021 at Lord’s, taking 5 wickets.
- He wants to play the remaining two Tests against India and participate in the Ashes.
- Archer feels fit and is not concerned about workload, aligning with team efforts.
- The ‘Bazball’ approach under McCullum and Stokes suits his aggressive playing style.
With Archer back in the squad and hungry for more, England’s bowling attack looks even more formidable as the series progresses.
