England Test captain Ben Stokes has offered a promising update on Jofra Archer's red-ball future, revealing the pacer’s deep desire to don the England whites again. Stokes, while speaking ahead of the India series, shared that Archer has been constantly checking in with him about a potential Test comeback as recently as the one-off match against Zimbabwe.
Stokes acknowledged that Archer’s road back to fitness has been riddled with frustration. Once England’s most exciting pace prospect, Archer has battled recurring elbow issues that derailed his Test career. He last played a Test match in February 2021.
He fractured his thumb in the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) and was not in contention for the first Test of the upcoming five-match series versus India. However, the signs are now more positive. Jofra Archer appears to be building rhythm and confidence once again and will make his comeback to red-ball cricket on Sunday for Sussex in the County Championship match versus Durham.
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Ben Stokes Reveals Jofra Archer’s Red-Ball Hunger
Ben Stokes detailed how Archer has constantly been in touch with him over the months, asking if he is in contention for red-ball matches, citing the example of the one-off Test against Zimbabwe.
"He's been absolutely desperate to put the white shirt back on. Out of the blue, he'd sometimes text me saying, 'Zim?' - as in, 'Am I in for Zimbabwe?' I had to tell him, 'Let's just hold it there. I know you're feeling good, but we don't want to rush it,'" Stokes said as quoted.
England have long stated that they will not rush Archer’s red-ball comeback, especially with one eye on the 2025-26 Ashes. But Stokes’ comments make it clear that a phased comeback could be in motion, provided Archer stays fit and is managed carefully
"He's had a torrid run with injuries, but he's managed a fair bit of white-ball cricket recently. It's encouraging not just for England, but more so for Jof. The fact that we can now put a structure in place for his red-ball return is a great sign," he added.
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When will Jofra Archer Return to England Test Team?
As confirmed by England national selector Luke Wright, Archer’s match fitness will be assessed when he plays for Sussex in the County Championship. If he is deemed fully fit, there is a high possibility that he makes his comeback in the England Test team for the second match of the series against India, scheduled at Edgbaston in Birmingham on July 2-6.
"Joff's trucking on really well, actually. The plans for him, he's playing a few second-team games. The plan is for him to play a few second team games, loading up in the second team for Sussex. And then the idea for him is to play for Sussex against Durham during the first Test," Wright said.
"So, he'll play for Sussex if all things go well, and then if all things go well fingers crossed he should be available for the second Test," he added.
England have already been dealing with a spate of injuries. Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson are unavailable for the Headingley Test due to respective injuries. If Archer gets fit in time for the second fixture, it will be a massive boost for England.
