Archer set to return to action for Sussex following injury layoff

England fast bowler Jofra Archer has been named in Sussex's 13-man squad for the upcoming County Championship match against Kent on Thursday (May 13). If picked, this could be Archer's first competitive match since playing in the fifth T20 International (T20I) against India in March. The England fast bowler did not play the One-Day International (ODI) series after that as he returned home to address his injury.

It was learnt that Archer injured his finger after a fish tank fell on his hand while cleaning at his residence and at the same time, was also managing a long-term elbow injury even before the tour of India. On March 30, he had surgery on his right hand and began his rehabilitation. Two weeks later, he began light training but was not fit enough to take part in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

"Any team in world cricket would be excited to name Jof (Archer) in their squad for a game. Everybody is aware of his talents," Sussex head coach Ian Salisbury said in a statement.

"Are we going to force him to come back when he's actually England's player? Say he gets an injury and he can't play in the Test matches this summer - I wouldn't be very popular," he added.

England take on New Zealand in a two-Test series starting from June 2 at Lord's. This could be Archer's last chance to prove his fitness ahead of the Tests.