London, July 24: Jofra Archer is a devastating fast bowler. He reminds of the fearsome lethal West Indian speedsters of the 1980s.
The English pacer Archer has been very impactful in both red and white-ball games. But despite his immense talents, his career has been seriously affected by series of injuries.
He did return recently to England side after a long injury layoff, which lasted almost two years. The Barbados-born pacer returned to the England squad in the Pakistan series before appearing in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Archer for sure was not at his lethal best after his recent return to international cricket. But he looked in decent rhythm. But Rob Key, England’s Managing Director for Men's Cricket, has considered him for limited-overs cricket for the time being.
Taking a realistic stand, Rob Key recently stated that next year's India series may be an opportunity for Archer’s Test return.
But Archer aims to play for England in the Ashes, which is nearly 18 months down the line.
To keep alive his red ball cricket ambition, Archer, meanwhile, stated that he is keen to play for Sussex in first-class cricket early next summer. He believes if he does well, then his return to England's Test side will be streamlined.
But there are few former England players, who want Archer to be bit more patient and not hurry too soon. Former England skipper Michael Vaughan cautioned Archer about his move and stated that he needs to take his time in order to be ready for gruelling red-ball cricket.
Although Vaughan stated that he would be glad to see Archer alongside Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson as England's frontline speedsters in Test cricket, especially in Ashes 2025, but he still caution Archer to take a realistic approach, before he resumes taxing red ball cricket again.
