BAZ READY TO TEST ARCHER

Jofra getting up to speed for five-day cricket

- DAVID CHARLESWORTH

BRENDON MCCULLUM is optimistic he will be able to unleash Jofra Archer on Test cricket this summer.

But the England coach admits he understands the risks involved for the injury-plagued fast bowler.

It is just over four years since Archer last featured in the longest format of the game, with chronic elbow and back injuries the reasons for his stop-start career since bursting on to the scene in 2019.

His latest comeback has been carefully managed and restricted to T20s initially and then ODIs, with a broader view for him to face India at home and Australia away in marquee Test series in the next year.

An Indian Premier League stint beckons after England's early exit at the Champions Trophy.