Jofra Archer vows to prove doubters wrong as England pacer announces his return to Test cricket

England fast bowler Jofra Archer has set his sights on a comeback to Test cricket, saying he is eager to play in the much-anticipated 2025-26 Ashes series in Australia. Archer, who hasn't graced Test cricket since February 2021, has battled persistent back and elbow injuries that sidelined him for over three years.

However, despite his injury woes, the 29-year-old fiery speedster showcased his prowess during England's recent ICC T20 World Cup 2024 campaign. He played in all matches and bowled his full quota to put his injury nightmare far behind, and he is eager for the red-ball show.

Jofra Archer eyes Test comeback, as he vows to prove doubters wrong

Archer's blistering pace on Australia's bouncy pitches could be a game-changer for the England Cricket Team in their quest to reclaim the Ashes. England will continue to take a cautious approach when it comes to managing the star pacer’s workload, as he will not play any Test cricket this year either.

To ensure his long-term fitness, Archer will be kept away from Test cricket throughout 2024, as he is focusing on regaining peak fitness for the 2025-26 Ashes showdown in Australia. Well, ahead of his possible Test comeback, Archer is eager to spend the rest of the year proving his critics wrong.

Jofra Archer was quoted as saying by BBC Sport: “I am going to use the rest of this year to make sure that is at least a possibility. I'm tired of going on Instagram and seeing posts saying 'he's going to be on the physio's bed in the next two weeks' and stuff like that. I want to spend the rest of the year proving some people wrong and hopefully playing in another Ashes.”

Jofra Archer set to play in the County Championship next year

The Barbados-born England speedster revealed that he would love to play some County Championship matches next year to be ready for Test cricket. He added, “I will manage myself as best as possible and get myself through until at least maybe the start of the championship next year. I'll probably play a few games and keep building up and getting that workload ready for Test cricket.”

Archer is all set to play for the Southern Brave in the ongoing The Hundred 2024, and he is excited to enjoy some white-ball cricket at home. He signed off by saying, “I am feeling good and want to get some games in. I am going to enjoy this little phase of some white-ball cricket.”

This is what everyone is hoping for: Michael Vaughan on Jofra Archer's announcement

Meanwhile, Michael Vaughan has expressed his elation after Archer announced to play in the next Ashes series in Australia. The former England captain said that the long wait would be worth it.

Vaughan was quoted as saying by BBC Sport: “This is what everyone is hoping for. That Jofra Archer will be on that plane to Australia, so let's hope that goes to plan. It's great to see him back playing white-ball cricket, but he still needs to take his time. Even if we have to wait all the way up until the Ashes in 2025, we will be happy.”