Key never doubted the test appeal

ROB Key never doubted Jofra Archer's resolve to return to Test cricket despite the temptations the lucrative T20 route might have presented to the England fast bowler.

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Stress fractures in his right elbow and lower back have conspired to keep Archer on 13 Test caps since February 2021 and repeated setbacks could have seen him throw in his lot on the franchise circuit.

Key, England’s managing director of men’s cricket, suspects Archer would have been in high demand and the prospect is attractive because of a much lighter workload, of only four overs a game.

Archer has a deal with Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, where he broke his thumb this year to derail hopes of a much-anticipated Test return for England at the start of the summer.