Former England captain Michael Vaughan has advised the national team’s management and Test skipper Ben Stokes to refrain from rushing Jofra Archer back into the Test fold, following the fast bowler’s first red-ball appearance in over four years.
Archer featured for Sussex against Durham in the County Championship earlier this week, returning figures of 1 for 32 from 18 overs and contributing a composed 31 runs with the bat. The match ended in a draw at Chester-le-Street, marking a significant step in Archer’s comeback from a prolonged injury layoff.
While the 29-year-old pacer’s return has been welcomed by fans and pundits alike, Vaughan maintained that a more measured approach was necessary.
“The good thing is that Jofra is back in the equation — but I'd like to see him play another four-day game,” Vaughan told British media on Wednesday. “He hasn’t played the longer format for four years, so why, on the back of one game for Sussex, would you rush him back?”
Emphasising the contrast between county and international cricket, Vaughan added: “We know the intensity of Test cricket is so different from county cricket. Let him play another four-day game.”
Vaughan suggested that Archer should participate in Sussex’s upcoming County Championship clash against Warwickshire, scheduled to begin on Sunday, before being considered for selection in the ongoing Test series against India.
His remarks were echoed by Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace, who lauded Archer’s performance but underscored the need to manage his return with care.
“He bowled with good pace, good accuracy, and his body’s in good shape — which is fantastic,” Farbrace said. “We’d all love to see Jofra playing for England because he makes them a much better side, especially in big series. But let’s look after him and be careful.”
Farbrace confirmed that Sussex and the England management had a prior understanding regarding Archer’s workload, and that his condition would be reassessed following this week’s match.
“He’s bowled 18 overs and looks in good rhythm — it’s now up to the selectors,” he said.
Archer’s reappearance in red-ball cricket comes as England lead the five-match Test series against India 1-0. The second Test is set to begin on July 2 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Archer has not played a Test match since February 2021, having battled a succession of elbow and back injuries that have kept him out of the longer format. His potential return to the England XI is being closely monitored as the team looks to manage his workload and longevity.
