Archer ‘pretty keen’ to play Test cricket – McCullum

Head coach Brendon McCullum says England seamer Jofra Archer is “pretty keen” to play test cricket this summer.

Since playing for the first time in 2021, the 29-year-old has had a back stress fracture and an elbow stress fracture.

The fast bowler, who has won 42 Test wickets since making his Ashes debut in 2019, made his international debut in England’s ODI series against Bangladesh in March 2023 but developed elbow pain before being ruled out until May 2024.

I’m fairly certain that Jof is interested in playing Test cricket, but we need to make sure we’re always doing the right thing with him and fully comprehend the risks involved, McCullum said.

The squad only gets stronger if you can add him to the fast bowlers you’re trying to add.

Overall, I’m really pleased to see where Jof is at and how wonderful it is to see him playing without any injuries right now.

Archer has participated in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Australia’s home series, West Indies, India, and most recently the Pakistan Champions Trophy.

In addition to taking seven wickets in six of his eight games in India, Archer also took six wickets in England’s three Champions Trophy games.

Jofra hasn’t played competitive cricket for a while, and it’s taken some time to regain that rhythm of gameplay, according to McCullum.

He has played a lot of cricket, bowled fast, and had a lot of work [at] this tournament, the Champions Trophy].

Even today [on Saturday], when he took a couple of wickets, and the other night against Afghanistan, three with the new ball, we’ve seen instances of how great Jof is.

The 22-May test match between England and Zimbabwe, which coincides with the Indian Premier League’s final game of the season, in which Archer is scheduled to play for the Rajasthan Royals, is cancelled.