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Brendon McCullum Optimistic About Jofra Archer’s Return to Test Cricket
Brendon McCullum, the head coach for England’s cricket team, is hopeful about the possibility of Jofra Archer participating in Test matches by 2025. However, he remains cautious regarding the recovery of the fast bowler, who has faced numerous injury setbacks throughout his career.
After debuting in 2019, Archer has not played in the Test format for over four years due to long-standing issues with his elbow and back. His return to the game has been strategically managed, focusing initially on limited overs formats such as T20 and ODIs. The aim is to gear him up for significant Test series against India at home and Australia away within the next year.
Following England’s early elimination from the Champions Trophy, Archer is set to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL). McCullum expressed optimism about Archer’s potential return to Test cricket, especially for an anticipated five-match series against India. He acknowledged Archer’s talent, stating, “We know how great Jofra is at the very top of his game, and to have him back, fit and excited about playing is a real win for English cricket.”
McCullum emphasized the importance of carefully managing Archer’s comeback, saying, “We’ve got to make sure we’re always doing the right thing by Jof and understanding the risks involved. I’m pretty sure he’s keen to play Test cricket.” He plans to discuss with Archer and other team members regarding their future ambitions and strategies.
Recent Performances and Recovery
In a recent ODI match against South Africa, Archer showcased his skills by taking 2 wickets for 55 runs, despite England suffering a defeat. His performance during the crucial powerplay phase underscored his effectiveness as a fast bowler. Notably, he secured all his wickets during this initial phase, though his impact waned in subsequent spells.
Having participated in nine out of eleven matches since returning, Archer has demonstrated resilience, recovering from a cut on his hand that kept him out of two games. McCullum expressed satisfaction with Archer’s progress, highlighting the speed and workload he has managed during the series. “He’s bowled high pace, and we’ve seen moments of how great Jof is,” McCullum remarked.
Overall, the positive signs in Archer’s performance and health come as a relief for the England cricket team, as they look to bolster their fast-bowling lineup with his inclusion in future matches.
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