Brendon McCullum has backed Jofra Archer to play for England during their Test summer after the fast bowler’s encouraging displays in the Champions Trophy.
Archer took six wickets across England’s three matches during the campaign. Against South Africa he bowled seven consecutive overs, in an indication that his body is becoming more robust.
England’s next Test match is the one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge on May 22. The five-match series against India then begins on June 20 – England’s last Test engagement before the Ashes Down Under in November.
The most recent of Archer’s 11 Test matches was in Ahmedabad in February 2021. But England remain hopeful that he could play a role against India and Australia, with his pace and skill regarded as an invaluable to the attack.
Archer starred during his maiden Test series, taking 22 wickets at an average of 20.3 in the 2019 Ashes, but has been marred by injuries ever since.
“I think he’s been really good,” said McCullum. “Jofra’s been out of competitive cricket for a couple of years, it’s taken a little bit of time to get that rhythm of game play back.
“He’s bowled high-pace, he’s played a lot of cricket, he’s been able to get a significant workload under his belt throughout this tournament. We’ve seen moments of how great Jof is.”
McCullum said that Archer is on course to make his eagerly awaited Test comeback this year. “I’ll sit down with some of the players after this and work out what their ambitions are,” the head coach said. “I would imagine Jof would be keen to play Test cricket this summer, yeah.
“We know how great Jofra is at the very top of his game and to have him back, fit and excited about playing is a real win for English cricket. We’ve got to make sure we’re always doing the right thing by Jof and understanding the risks involved, but I’m pretty sure he’s pretty keen to play Test cricket.
“If you can add him to the battery of fast bowlers you’re trying to build then it only strengthens the squad. Overall, I’m really pleased to see where Jof’s at and it’s great to see him back playing and injury-free at the moment.”
Archer’s importance to England’s pace attack has increased because of new injury concerns for other quicks. Brydon Carse left Pakistan earlier with a toe injury sustained during the loss to Australia. Mark Wood, England’s fastest bowler, fell on his left knee – where he has suffered injuries before – during the defeat by Afghanistan. It is feared that he has suffered ligament damage, though the extent of the injury remains unclear.
Wood will have a scan when he returns home to the UK. There are fears that he might need an operation, which could rule the 35-year-old out for several months.
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