TESTING TIME FOR PACE ACE JOF

CRICKET: Archer’s red-ball future hangs in the balance

- Richard EDWARDS

SOMETHING has to give as Jofra Archer prepares for his return to England colours in South Africa this week. 

And Test cricket might be the fall guy.

That’s the view of Paddy Upton, Archer’s former IPL coach, who believes that the demands placed on the pace ace might mean that he turns his back on the longest format.

Archer is likely to make his first England appearance in any format since March 2021 when he walks out against the Proteas.

And all eyes will be on the man who did as much as anyone to help England to glory at the 2019 World Cup.

Whether he’ll also be a part of England’s Ashes campaign this summer remains to be seen.