Jofra Archer’s Comeback: A Careful Plan
Don’t Rush Archer, Says Vaughan
Michael Vaughan, a former England captain, thinks Jofra Archer should not be hurried back for the second Test against India at Edgbaston. This is despite Archer’s recent return to red-ball cricket.
Archer’s Recent Game
Archer played his first first-class match in four years. It was during Sussex’s County Championship game against Durham. He took one wicket for 32 runs from 18 overs.
Vaughan’s Thoughts
Vaughan believes Archer should play another four-day game before returning to Test cricket. He shared his thoughts on ‘BBC Test Match Special’:
- “It’s great that Jofra is back in the game.”
- “He hasn’t played the longer format for four years.”
- “Why rush him back after just one game for Sussex against Durham?”
- “Test-match intensity is different from county cricket.”
- “Let him play another four-day game.”
Sussex Coach’s Opinion
Paul Farbrace, Sussex head coach, also thinks we should be careful with Archer. He said:
- “If I were them (the selectors), I would save him for the third Test match.”
- “He’s only bowled 18 overs of red-ball cricket.”
- “Why change the team? They’ve just won the Test at Headingley.”
- “I would stick with Chris Woakes for Edgbaston as he knows the pitch well.”
Farbrace said that Archer “looks in great rhythm and bowled very nicely.” But he thinks Archer should not play back-to-back games. Instead, he should be ready for the third Test match.
Archer’s Career and Injuries
Archer became one of England’s most exciting players in 2019. He bowled the decisive super over in the home World Cup win. Then he took 22 wickets in four Tests in the Ashes series.
But since then, Archer has had several injuries:
- An elbow problem in 2020 needed multiple surgeries.
- A stress fracture of the back in 2022.
These injuries have made Archer’s return to international cricket stop and start. He was supposed to play in the white-ball series against West Indies. But he hurt his thumb while playing in the Indian Premier League.
