Jofra Archer’s hopes of rejoining England’s Test cricket squad have been reignited following the extension of his central contract, which now runs until the 2025-26 Ashes. The move signals the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) confidence in Archer’s potential despite his long battle with injuries.
Archer, whose last Test appearance was in February 2021, is one of three English pacers who recently received contract upgrades through October 2026, alongside Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts. Archer’s consistency in 2024, with 20 appearances across all formats, has bolstered his standing. Notably, he was England’s joint-highest wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup with 10 scalps.
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England Test captain Ben Stokes expressed optimism about Archer’s return to red-ball cricket. “The excitement is understandable around Jofra. The best thing is he is back on the field playing. The injuries and surgeries he has gone through could have ended other careers, so there is no rushing back,” Stokes said.
Stokes revealed that Archer remains enthusiastic about Test cricket, citing a recent message from the bowler expressing interest. However, Archer’s immediate availability for Tests remains uncertain, particularly with his commitments to the Rajasthan Royals in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). Current regulations stipulate a two-year ban from the IPL if the ECB withdraws a player mid-tournament.
The pacer could make his red-ball return in England’s Test series against India in June 2025, with potential participation in County Championship matches to prepare for the demands of Test cricket. Stokes emphasized the unique physical challenges of red-ball cricket. “Test cricket requires sustained performance over multiple days, unlike one-day games. Archer will need to build his body to handle that pressure,” he added.
Meanwhile, Jacob Bethell, who debuted in the opening Test against New Zealand, also saw his central contract upgraded to a two-year deal from a development contract. Bethell made his T20I and ODI debuts earlier in 2024 and became a high-profile pick in the IPL 2025 mega auction, securing a Rs 2.6 crore deal with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.