Archer, who has claimed 42 wickets in 13 Tests, hasn’t played for England in the longest format since February 2021 due to fitness challenges, including elbow and back injuries that have kept him off the field for extended periods.
His most recent setback occurred just last month when a thumb injury excluded him from the one-day international series against the West Indies.
National team selector Luke Wright mentioned last month that Archer might be considered for England’s second Test against India in Birmingham starting July 2. Captain Ben Stokes has no doubt about the bowler’s eagerness to make a comeback.
“He’s been incredibly keen to don the white shirt again,” Stokes remarked last Thursday before the first Test.
“He’s faced a tough time with injuries, but he has played a good amount of white-ball cricket recently.
“The fact that we can now set up a plan for his red-ball return is a very positive sign.”
Batting at number 10, Archer scored 31 runs off 34 balls against Durham, aiding Sussex in reaching 322-9 at stumps on Sunday, and he is expected to bowl later on Monday.
