Jofra Archer Eyes Test Cricket Return but Stays Focused on Present
Jofra Archer’s recent performances for England, especially during the summer, have once again reminded fans and critics alike of his immense potential. After enduring a challenging period plagued by injuries, Archer’s return to white-ball cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. His spell at Lord’s against Australia was a throwback to the 2019 World Cup when he was an unstoppable force. The sight of Archer regularly clocking 90mph and dismantling Australia’s top order was a clear sign that the fast bowler is on his way back to full fitness.
His performances, however, have stirred more significant discussions about Archer’s ultimate goal—returning to Test cricket. For a bowler who was once England’s spearhead in red-ball cricket, the idea of returning to that format after a prolonged injury layoff is tantalising. Archer himself has made it clear that Test cricket remains his goal, but he’s cautious, preferring to take things one step at a time. “I’m just going series by series,” Archer explained to The Telegraph, “To be honest, I’m just happy playing whatever cricket’s on at the minute.”
Road to Recovery and Managing Expectations
Archer’s journey back from injury has been fraught with challenges. Elbow and back stress fractures kept him out of action for long stretches, and questions were raised about whether he could ever return to his best. However, the summer of 2023 has seen Archer consistently back on the field, playing in the Hundred, T20 series, and ODIs, helping England to maintain a competitive edge.
It’s worth noting that Archer’s return has been carefully managed by the England medical team. The 28-year-old has been playing under a carefully curated schedule, with his appearances monitored closely. Rob Key, England’s managing director, and Craig de Weymarn, the physio, have played crucial roles in managing his workload. Archer’s performances in limited-overs cricket this summer have been a “check mark” on his road to recovery, but as Archer admitted, “I’m not looking that far ahead, because none of us have next year planned.”
Test Cricket Still the Dream
For many, Archer’s return to Test cricket is a matter of when, not if. His last appearance in the format was back in early 2021, but Archer has always maintained that Test cricket is his ultimate ambition. England’s management also have their eyes on using Archer in next year’s high-profile series against India and Australia. However, both the player and the team know the importance of patience. Archer himself recognises the need to pace his return: “I wanted to play a summer, and then I want to play a year, and then I want to play a few years.”

What’s clear is that England’s fast-bowling stocks have grown in recent years, with players like Brydon Carse emerging as viable options. But Archer remains a unique asset. His combination of pace, control, and the ability to rise to the occasion, as he did in the 2019 World Cup, make him invaluable to the Test side.
Importance of the Lord’s Performance
Archer’s spell at Lord’s against Australia was significant not just because of the wickets he took, but also because of the conditions in which he thrived. Fast bowling conditions suited Archer, and he capitalised, bowling in tandem with Carse to cause significant problems for the Australian batting line-up. It was a performance that Archer relished: “The conditions were really, really nice for fast bowling. It seamed, it nipped it. It did a bit of everything.”
Despite being one of only two survivors from the 2019 World Cup-winning team, Archer now finds himself as a senior figure in the squad. “Just the other day I was playing warm-up football on the young side and a couple of weeks later I’m on the old team,” he quipped. His role as a mentor for the younger bowlers is vital, but Archer knows that his biggest contribution to the England team could still lie ahead.
Our View – CricIndex Analysis
Jofra Archer’s return has brought hope and excitement back to English cricket. While his white-ball performances have been encouraging, there’s a growing anticipation to see him don the whites for England once again. His Test exploits during the Ashes and his performances on fast, bouncy tracks in Australia remain fresh in the minds of supporters. Yet, most fans understand that Archer’s return to Test cricket must be managed carefully. As thrilling as the prospect is, the risk of overloading him too soon could jeopardise his long-term future.
England fans will be hoping that the medical team continues to manage Archer’s workload effectively, allowing him to play in crucial series such as the Ashes and against India. If he can maintain his fitness and return to the Test arena, Archer’s presence could be the key to regaining the Ashes and continuing England’s recent resurgence in the red-ball format.