- Jofra Archer has been sidelined from red-ball cricket until 2025
- England aims to carefully manage his comeback following a series of injuries
- Chris Jordan states that Mark Wood’s performances will only motivate him further
Chris Jordan believes that Jofra Archer is eager to return to Test cricket, and observing Mark Wood consistently achieving speeds above 90MPH during the recent Test series against the West Indies will only serve to motivate Archer.
‘That will certainly inspire Jofra to rejoin the Test team,’ Jordan shared with Mail Sport. ‘He and Woody have a special bond, always monitoring the speed gun, and that kind of competition is beneficial for English cricket,’ he added.
At 29, Archer recently participated in the T20 World Cup for England and is currently playing for Southern Brave in The Hundred alongside Jordan. However, he has been sidelined from red-ball cricket until 2025, as England carefully navigates his recovery from a series of injuries associated with ‘a gradual process to ensure he returns for all formats.’ His last Test appearance for England was in February 2021.
‘I don’t see why Jofra can’t return to Test cricket. Everything needs to progress step by step. It’s easy for people to get overly excited, but he has a long way to go and much cricket to play before we feel he is fully back,’ Jordan remarked. ‘Expectations are always high for Jofra due to his incredible talent, and he is making solid progress.’
Jordan and Archer have been friends since childhood, both hailing from Barbados before moving to England. Jordan made history in June when he became the first England player to take a men’s T20I hat-trick against the USA. He and Adil Rashid are the only England players to achieve at least 100 T20I wickets.
‘That’s right up there with one of my best days of cricket,’ reflected the 35-year-old. ‘The environment was perfect, being in the hometown where I grew up with so many family and friends in attendance.’
Jordan also emphasized that he still feels capable of contributing to the England team, despite anticipations of changes within the white-ball setup after Matthew Mott’s dismissal this week.
Jos Buttler will retain the captaincy as England prepares to face Australia in September for three T20Is and five ODIs, with Marcus Trescothick assuming interim management duties.
‘I believe my fitness continues to improve. My body feels as good as ever, and my pace is as competitive as it has been,’ Jordan stated. ‘Who knows what lies ahead? I’m fortunate to have represented England for nearly 11 years and have created many lasting memories. If I can keep adding to those, great; if not, then I’ve had my time.’
Chris Jordan was discussing his thoughts with Mail Sport at the ‘Taste of Cricket’ event hosted by the ECB and Shepherds Bush Cricket Club, celebrating inclusivity in the game, featuring celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott as the special guest.
This initiative is part of the ECB’s Raising The Game platform, which supports up to 100 community club events this summer, aimed at uniting communities and celebrating the deep connection between food and cricket through the tradition of ‘match tea.’
