Speedy Archer will be eased back in

ENGLAND captain Ben Stokes says speed king Jofra Archer was begging for a Test call-up against Zimbabwe earlier this summer.

- JEREMY CROSS

And that makes him very confident of being able to unleash Archer on India.

The fast bowler has not played first class or Test cricket since 2021 due to a horrendous series of injury issues.

But Archer has overcome a thumb problem and is in line to play for Sussex at Durham in the County Championship this weekend.