Jofra Archer returns to first-class action for Sussex against Kent as he prepares to prove his fitness in the lead up to England’s two-Test series against New Zealand in June.
Jofra Archer named in Sussex squad as England pacer set to return to first-class action (AFP Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Jofra Archer named in Sussex squad for County Championship match against Kent
- Archer missed IPL 2021 with a finger injury for which he underwent surgery
- England take on New Zealand in a 2-Test series at home in June
England fast bowler Jofra Archer was named in Sussex’s 13-man squad for their County Championship match against Kent, starting May 13. Archer returns to first-class cricket after missing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 with a finger injury.
Archer underwent surgery to remove a glass fragment from a tendon on his right hand, an injury he sustained in January when an attempt to clean his fish tank went wrong. He was undergoing treatment for a long-term elbow problem at the time.
Having missed the first half of IPL 2021 before the tournament was suspended due to positive Covid-19 cases in bio-bubbles, the first-class game is likely to be Jofra Archer’s final opportunity to prove his fitness ahead of the two-Test series against England next month.
“Any team in world cricket would be excited to name Jofra in their squad for a game. Everybody is aware of his talents,” Sussex coach Ian Salisbury said.
The first test against New Zealand will be held at Lord’s from June 2-6 before the second Test in Birmingham from June 10. England also take on India in a 5-Test series from August after Virat Kohli’s men complete the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, starting June 18 in Southampton.
Click here for IndiaToday.in’s complete coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.
