Archer's recall just reward for his long battle with injury

ENGLAND supremo Rob Key says Jofra Archer's Test comeback after a four-year intermission will be his reward for fighting through the “heartache and pain”.

- By Mike Walters

Archer is in the squad for the second Test against India, starting at Edgbaston on Wednesday, after bowling just 18 overs in red-ball cricket since 2021.

Managing director Key insists he never gave up hope of seeing England’s 2019 World Cup final super-over hero unleashed in Tests again, despite his litany of elbow and back injuries.

Archer bowled 18 overs for Sussex against Durham in the County Championship this week, taking 1-32, and that was enough to earn a recall.

Speaking at an event for Test sponsors Rothesay, Key, below, said: “I’ve never been worried that he wouldn’t be back.