(Source X)
England Test captain Ben Stokes has emphasized the cautious approach towards fast bowler Jofra Archer ahead of the second Test against West Indies. Stokes indicated that the team is prioritizing Archer’s full recovery before considering his return to red-ball cricket, rather than rushing his comeback.
Archer’s impactful Test debut came during the 2019 Ashes series, where he impressed with his high pace and skill, taking 22 wickets in just four matches. However, persistent injuries have significantly hampered his Test career since then. The rigorous demands of Test cricket necessitate peak physical condition, and when Archer will be fit to make his return remains uncertain.
Ben Stokes’ big statement on Jofra Archer
Ahead of the upcoming second Test between England and West Indies in Nottingham, Ben Stokes expressed his satisfaction at witnessing Jofra Archer’s performance during the T20 World Cup 2024. Stokes highlighted that Archer’s enthusiasm for Test cricket remains undiminished.
“I know that Jofra (Archer) is desperate to get back in a Test shirt for England. He’s very passionate about playing for England and he’s still got a lot of passion to play Test cricket. But he’s been through a very, very tough few years. Watching him play in the World Cup was great. But I’m very close with Jofra, and it was just great to see him back out on the field,” Stokes was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.
The England captain went on to stress that their strategy involves avoiding any rush to reintroduce Archer to Test cricket, with a focus on ensuring his long-term career sustainability.
“It’s about not getting too giddy with it. If we don’t have him for a year, let’s say, but it prolongs his career for another two or three years, that’s what we are looking to do. We’re not looking to rush Jof back,” he added.
Jofra Archer finally returned to action during the T20 World Cup 2024, where he made a highly anticipated comeback. He made significant contributions, taking 8 wickets in eight matches with an average of 19 and an economy rate of 7.21. Despite Archer’s efforts, England’s T20 World Cup journey concluded with a semi-final loss to India.
Ben Stokes revealed England’s new ball combination.
When queried about England’s new ball pairing following James Anderson’s retirement, Stokes confirmed that Gus Atkinson and Chris Woakes would assume the responsibility of opening the bowling for England in the upcoming second Test against West Indies.
“Gus (Atkinson) and Woakesy (Chris Woakes) will take the new ball. I first saw Gus live in the World Cup in India. He just had all the attributes of a very, very good bowler. A lot of it is to do with the Dukes ball, how it has behaved,” Stokes lauded Atkinson.
“There has not actually been that much movement in the air with the new ball. It’s generally been off the surface, hitting the seam and Gus is a very good exponent of that,” the England captain added.
Gus Atkinson made a remarkable Test debut in the first Test against West Indies at Lord’s, where he impressed by claiming 12 wickets in the match and rightfully earned the Player of the Match award.
