After the first Test match against the West Indies at Lord’s, James Anderson announced his retirement from international cricket, leaving England to select Mark Wook to play the next two Tests in his place.
But Jofra Archer Archers, the English team’s deadly pacemaker because of his sheer speed, is still absent. Ben Stokes, a right-arm bowler, stated that he is eager to return to red-ball cricket prior to the second Test at Nottinghamshire.
Before Archer was called up to the side for a T20I series against Pakistan in May, he had been out of action for about 438 days. In the end, he participated in the 2024 T20 World Cup, but he did not receive the regular awards. Due to a string of injuries that have plagued his career, the 29-year-old’s dream of playing Test cricket appears distant. Stokes’ comment has sparked curiosity because England lacks an experienced speedster.
“I am aware of Jofra Archer’s intense desire to return to the England Test team. He still has a great deal of desire for playing Test cricket and for representing England.
However, he has had an extremely difficult few years. It was definitely amazing to watch him play in the World Cup. However, Jofra and I are really close, and it was wonderful to see him back on the pitch,” Stokes stated, as cited by The Telegraph.
It’s important to control your excitement. We want to hold onto him for a year or so if it means he can continue playing for another two or three years. We don’t want to send Jof back too soon,” he continued.
Gus Atkinson shines for England with his balls.
After winning the first Test by an innings and 114 runs, England went into the second Test in Nottinghamshire with a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series. For the hosts, Gus Atkinson was a magician with the ball, taking seven wickets in the opening innings and five in the second. It is noteworthy that the pacer and Jamie Smith participated in the pacer’s first Test match for England.