Jofra Archer has been struggling with injuries for quite some time now, which has kept him out of action for many important cricket events for the England national cricket team.
The English pacer has made a slow return to the red-ball format after his last injury in the Indian Premier League (IPL.
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After recovering from a career-threatening elbow injury and multiple back fractures, Archer was set to feature for England in the summer, but a finger injury in the 18th edition of the IPL delayed his return.
The English pacer finally set foot in List A cricket after an absence of four years, as he featured for Sussex in a county match against Durham, where he even picked up a wicket -- making his availability known for the later matches in the series between India and England.
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Jofra Archer eyes return in the India vs. England Test series
Jofra Archer took his first First-Class wicket after a span of 1501 days, as he caught Emilio Gray plumb in front of the wicket. The pacer admitted that the experience had been mentally tough for him after what he went through all these months but is glad to go all the way.
Speaking to Sussex Cricket, Archer said, "I'm glad to just finish a day of four-day cricket. Last time I played [against Kent at Hove in May 2021], I just made it to tea, so I'm glad to go all the way today."
Archer further mentioned that his body has been responding well since the past two years and is eyeing a return to the team for the 2nd Test vs. India.
"It felt all right today. I've been playing for a year, and bowling for two years, including the build-up, so everything is fine."
Archer was asked if he could have imagined a return to first-class cricket after a series of setbacks due to his injuries, to which he replied that initially he thought his body couldn't hold up to the expectations of the red-ball cricket, but now his body feels way better than before.
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"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."
He further admitted that the mental part of the game would be tough, but he will find a way to battle with it and come out on top.
"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."
It will be interesting to see if Archer makes a comeback to the team for the 2nd Test at Edgbaston. Gus Atkinson had already been ruled out of the series due to an injury, with Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse leading the lines for the Three Lions in the first Test.
Archer's comeback into the team could provide a major boost to England, as the all-rounder's batting as well as bowling prowess can come in handy for the rest of the series.