Jofra Archer has returned to red-ball cricket after a four-year absence, marking a significant step in his long recovery from multiple injuries. Featuring in the ongoing 2025 County Championship, Archer admitted that adjusting to the demands of four-day cricket has been mentally challenging.
Speaking to Sussex Cricket at Chester-le-Street after Day Two, the England pacer reflected on the difficulty of bowling on a surface that offered little assistance.
“When the scoreboard got to 50 overs, I was, like, Jesus, time to come off now! But it wasn’t too bad. Doing it session-by-session was okay, but the pitch didn’t do much,” Archer said.
He further described the long day in the field: “Today could have been the longest day I’ve ever had, and not because it’s red-ball cricket. I’ve been in the field for two-and-a-half days before, and it still didn’t feel as long as today. When the ball is moving, and you’re getting something off the pitch, it feels a bit more exciting.”
Archer, playing for Sussex, picked up his first wicket in the match by trapping Durham’s Emilio Gay lbw on Day Two. By the end of Day Three, Sussex led by 145 runs in the County Championship encounter.
“Now it’s a different challenge, because I know my body can hold up to it” – Archer eyes Test comeback
Archer’s comeback was delayed earlier this summer due to a thumb injury sustained during the IPL. Now fully recovered, the fast bowler is hopeful of returning to England’s Test side, with his body finally able to endure the physical demands.
“Back then, I didn’t have the choice because I didn’t think my body could hold up to it. Now it’s a different challenge, because I know my body can hold up to it. The mental part of the game [will be tough]. Over the next couple of days, I’m going to have to battle a bit with it, but it’s all good. It’s a new challenge, and I’ll keep trucking along,” he said.
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