- June 22, 2025: Archer played his first first-class match since May 2021, turning out for Sussex against Durham in the County Championship at Chester-le-Street.
- Batting at No. 10, Archer smashed a quick 31 off 34 balls, including three boundaries and a six—adding fireworks at the tail.
- Though his bowling debut of the match only came in net sessions, Sussex confirmed he’s fit to bowl without any workload limitations.
Injury Rollercoaster
Since his last Test in February 2021, Archer’s career has resembled a pacer’s version of an action thriller:
- Suffered elbow and back injuries, requiring surgery and extended rest.
- A thumb fracture during his IPL stint with Rajasthan Royals shelved his white-ball return from the West Indies series.
- This first-class comeback marks a major turnaround after four years of being sidelined.
Why It Matters for England
- England’s Test bowling unit has been missing Archer’s express pace and X-factor since his absence
- Selector Luke Wright flagged Archer as a potential inclusion for the second Test against India (Edgbaston, July 2) and possibly even Lord’s third Test.
- Captain Ben Stokes is “absolutely desperate” to see Archer in whites again, praising his hunger to conquer Test cricket and calling this comeback a key step forward.
What Sussex and Coach Say
- Sussex bowling coach James Kirtley emphasized his pace is still there and labeled Archer “game‑changing”—plus noted there’s no limit on the overs he can bowl.
- Critics were amused by the “bizarre mix‑up”, where Archer was initially omitted from Sussex’s squad announcement—likely to downplay the hype.
The Strategy: County Cricket as Rehearsal
- Sussex uses red-ball cricket to gauge Archer’s performance: a debut match and possibly another prior to England’s second Test.
- Galloping back into bowling spells, handling workload, and staying injury-free are key benchmarks.
- Similar to his explosive 2019 Ashes debut, Archer looks poised to wreak havoc if fit and firing.
Memories of the Glory Days
Archer’s Test debut in 2019 was unforgettable:
- Clobbered Steve Smith on the helmet at Lord’s with sheer pace.
- Claimed six top-tier wickets at Headingley in a thunderous performance.
- Sealed the 2019 World Cup Super Over win for England—solidifying his hero status.
He’s only taken 42 Test wickets in 13 matches, but when fit, he’s match-defining.
2025 County Match Snapshot
From The Guardian’s coverage:
- Sussex ended day one at 322/9, thanks in part to Archer’s tail cameo.
- Meanwhile, Jos Buttler-style fireworks also lit up across the division—but Archer’s performance stole headlines.
England vs India: Test Series Stakes
- After a tight first Test at Headingley, the series hangs in balance.
- Archer rejoin the squad for Edgbaston — his red-ball workload and fitness will determine England’s strategic bowling plan.
- If he bowls convincingly at Sussex, he’ll likely compete with Mark Wood, Olly Stone, and Gus Atkinson for a pace peak in the XI.
| Positives | Risks |
|---|---|
| Revives pace and intimidation factor for England | Risk of re-injury due to past fitness concerns |
| Brings psychological impact on Indian top order | Pressure to perform quickly in high-stakes Tests |
| Allows England depth room in bowling unit | Sussex stint may not fully mirror Test intensity |
| Reignites excitement & morale in England camp | ICC and selectors expect match-winning impact again |
Timeline of What Comes Next
- June 23–24: Sussex’s Championship match continues—Archer to bowl and hopefully impress.
- Late June: ECB selectors finalize squad for Edgbaston; reserves announced.
- July 2: Second Test begins — Archer could be in the XI.
- July 10: Third Test at Lord’s; if not selected earlier, last chance.
Jofra Archer’s red-ball return is no mere footnote—it’s a headline moment in 2025 cricket. His successful re-entry could tip the balance for England’s pace attack in a crucial series against a formidable Indian batting unit.
For fans, it’s a mix of nostalgia, excitement, and suspense.
