Follow UsEngland are 1-0 up in the series against India, after a stellar five-wicket record run-chase at Headingley on June 24 (Tuesday). But their joy doesn’t end there, as speedster Jofra Archer has made a strong red-ball comeback against Durham, where he bowled 18 overs, with figures of 1/32.
In the same clash earlier, Archer put on a batting display as well, with a 34-ball 31, showing that he’s ready to return to the English side. After three days of being out there in the field, Archer admitted that his body can now hold up to the rigour of red-ball cricket.
"Now it's a different challenge, because I know my body can hold up to it. The mental part of the game [will be tough]. Over the next couple of days, I'm going to have to battle a bit with it, but it's all good. It's a new challenge, and I'll keep trucking along,” Archer said after his comeback.
"Back then [last red-ball appearance], I didn't have the choice because I didn't think my body could hold up to it,” he added.
Archer had a slight injury during the last leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 and only made his red-ball return ahead of the second Test.
"I'm glad to just finish a day of four-day cricket," he said. "Last time I played [against Kent at Hove in May 2021], I just made it to tea, so I'm glad to go all the way today.
"When the scoreboard got to 50 overs, I was, like, 'Jesus, time to come off now!'" he joked. "But it wasn't too bad. Doing it session-by-session was okay, but the pitch didn't do much.
Did the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) put any restrictions in terms of his workload?
"There have been no restrictions on this game. Whatever I did, I did. Obviously there can't be a limit if you're looking at a Test match. They were in the field for a day-and-a-half [in the first Test at Headingley].
"You can't have restrictions if you're potentially going to go in. You put your body through as much pressure, safely, as possible, to put yourself in the best position."
Archer also reckoned that when the ball is moving hoops, it feels more exciting than tiring for any pacer.
"Today could have been the longest day I've ever had, and not because it's red-ball cricket," he added. "I've been in the field for two-and-a-half days before, and it still didn't feel as long as today. When the ball is moving, and you're getting something off the pitch, it feels a bit more exciting."