15 Jul, 2025 | 08:48 PM
Jofra Archer has set his sights firmly on an Ashes return this winter, following a triumphant comeback to Test cricket in England’s thrilling 22-run victory over India at Lord’s.
Playing his first Test in over four years due to a string of elbow and back injuries, Archer made an immediate impact, claiming 5 wickets for 105 runs across both innings, including a wicket with just his third delivery. He bowled 39.2 overs in total, consistently hitting speeds around 90mph (145kph)—a sign of his restored rhythm and fitness.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Archer made his ambitions clear:
“I can play the other two [Tests against India] if they let me. I don't want to lose this series. I told Keysey [Rob Key, managing director of England men’s cricket] 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.”
With England leading the five-Test series 2-1, Archer’s availability for the final two matches could prove decisive. The fourth Test begins July 23 at Old Trafford, giving the fast bowler a week to recover. While Archer has expressed eagerness to play both remaining games, England are expected to manage his workload carefully after such a long layoff.
Archer’s first wicket back—Yashasvi Jaiswal, caught at second slip—sparked a passionate celebration. Later, during India’s tense chase on day five, Archer was at the heart of the drama, dismissing Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar, and exchanging fiery send-offs.
Reflecting on the intensity, Archer admitted:
“It wasn’t a proud moment [referring to Pant’s send-off], but it was part of a conscious effort to be less ‘nice’ out there. Everybody had a word today… we went together as a group, as a pack.”
Archer, now under the captaincy of Ben Stokes and guidance of coach Brendon McCullum, praised the team’s aggressive mindset, saying their approach “suits the way I like to play cricket.”
“You always just wondered… the guys have played some really exciting cricket since Baz [McCullum] took over. The mentality of the team suits me. I just couldn’t wait to get back and do it without having to be prompted.”
Archer revealed that his bowling workloads are already scheduled through December, a sign of England's cautious, data-driven management to ensure he peaks at the right time—especially for the Ashes tour of Australia in November.
Having last featured in an Ashes Test back in 2019, Archer is eager to return to the high-stakes rivalry that first made him a household name in red-ball cricket.
His successful return is a major boost to England’s ambitions, not only in sealing the current series against India but in rebuilding a formidable pace attack for the upcoming Ashes.
With England up 2-1 in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the fourth Test at Old Trafford looms large. Archer’s form and fitness could be the key to both closing out the series and shaping England’s fast-bowling plans for the months ahead.
