Jofra Archer, England’s fast bowler, has shown his desire again that he wants to join his team for winter’s Ashes, after his impressive return to Test cricket in England’s thrilling win against India at Lord’s.
For more than four years, Archer was not able to play cricket because of his elbow and back injuries, but after complete medication and rest he successfully made his comeback to whites. He got a wicket with his third ball and then did his best bowling in India’s fourth innings chase, when they were at 105, five wickets were down at that time.
He got through 39.2 overs, while maintaining his speeds at 90mph/145kph, Archer can recover before the fourth Test as he is having a week before the match, which is scheduled on July 23 at Old Trafford. He said that he is interested in playing both remaining games against India, however team’s management have to minimise his workload.
“I can play the other two [against India] if they let me,” he said. “I don’t want to lose this series. I told Keysey [England men’s managing director, Rob Key] I wanted to play the Test summer and I wanted to play the Ashes. I think one tick is already there and I will do everything possible in my power to be on the plane in November.”
Archer’s first comeback match that he played under the captaincy of Ben Stokes and coaching of Brendon McCullum went better, his long time recovery was worthwhile.
“Obviously it [Test cricket] would have been the format which would have taken the most time to come back to. So I played 50-over [and] T20 for the last year, year and a half, two years. And you always just wondered… The guys have played some really exciting cricket since Baz [McCullum] took over. I think the mentality of the team under Baz suits the way I like to play my cricket. So, you know, I just couldn’t wait to get back and actually do it without having to be prompted to do it.”
He dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal as his first wicket, which was a celebrating moment for the whole team, however after the game Archer focused on analytical analysis of his bowling.
“With the slope, that’s how I bowl to left-handers anyway. So, I guess it was just a matter of when, if I kept bowling like that. I can’t imagine many left-handers getting away with it.”
He said that it was a collective effort that led us towards victory, everyone just played their role successfully, which resulted in securing a 2-1 lead by England in the series.
“I think everybody had a word today,” he said. “It was nice that everybody… we went together as a group, as a pack basically. And, you know, it didn’t matter if it wasn’t just the bowler, you had the whole slip cordon, you had cover, you had mid-off. You had everybody going in with you. It’s days like this that make Test cricket feel special.” He said further.