Jofra Archer Hits Zak Crawley In The Helmet As England's Paceman Cranks Up His Return From Injury

As he bowled to England’s Test openers for the Lions in Abu Dhabi, Jofra Archer took a step closer to his long-awaited return to international cricket. 

Archer completed the first five-over period with numbers of 5-1-23-0, which may not have accurately reflected a promising performance. 

Jofra Archer Giving Problems To England Openers

Despite not being at his fastest or best, Archer still had enough to challenge England’s openers. At the conclusion of the first over of the game, Crawley was struck flush on the helmet by a bouncer, which caused a delay for a concussion test. 

Crawley top-edged a six later in the session when outpaced, and there were a few false efforts, including one where they almost played on. 

Crawley looked in good rhythm, though, when piercing the offside field for successive fours from Archer’s second over. 

In this three-day encounter, the fast bowler’s workload is being controlled, although he is anticipated to deliver at least two spells on the first day and later on in the contest. 

After making a splash in the 2019 Ashes, Archer hasn’t participated in a Test match since March 2021 due to back and elbow stress fractures, respectively. Additionally, he has missed a lot of white-ball competitions, including two T20 World Cups. 

Jofra Archer bowling in England whites, to Zak Crawley pic.twitter.com/Z8Z8appECw

— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) November 23, 2022

No Set Date For Jofra Archer’s International Comeback

There has been a gradual and difficult transition back, and there is still no set date for international cricket to resume. At the end of January, it is hoped that he will be able to participate in three ODIs in South Africa, but prudence must still be exercised. 

Ben Stokes, who is balancing his workload between the T20 World Cup and the first Test in Pakistan a week from now, is absent, and Ollie Pope is leading England in his place. Stokes is not anticipated to participate in this match, but given its informal setting, he is free to participate on the second or third days if he so chooses. 

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