McCullum confirms fit-again Archer in contention for third Test
LONDON: England coach Brendon McCullum has confirmed that fast bowler Jofra Archer is fit and ready for a potential return in the third Test against India at Lord’s, beginning July 10. The 30-year-old has not featured in a Test since February 2021 due to a string of elbow and back injuries.
Archer, who boasts 42 wickets from 13 Tests, was added to the squad for the second match at Edgbaston but was not selected in the playing XI. England suffered a heavy 336-run defeat in that game, allowing India to level the five-match series at 1-1.
“Jofra is looking fit, he’s looking strong, he’s looking ready to go,” McCullum said. “He’s buzzing as well. He’s obviously been through his injuries and his time out of Test cricket.”
With England looking to regain momentum, Archer’s pace and experience could provide a timely boost. “We all know what he’s capable of achieving in Test cricket,” McCullum added. “We hope that when the opportunity does arrive for him, he’s able to recapture, and also improve on, what he’s been able to do already.”(Reuters)
