England's managing director Rob Key has downplayed concerns about fast bowler Jofra Archer's readiness for Test cricket, insisting his comeback has been conservatively managed. Archer, 30, was named in the squad for the second Test against India but may be held back for the third Test at Lord's, following a four-year absence from first-class cricket and limited recent red-ball play.
Key denies Archer concerns and backs him to be ‘one of best England have had’
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️England's managing director Rob Key has downplayed concerns about fast bowler Jofra Archer's readiness for Test cricket, insisting his comeback has been conservatively managed. Archer, 30, was named in the squad for the second Test against India but may be held back for the third Test at Lord's, following a four-year absence from first-class cricket and limited recent red-ball play.
Trending- 1 2019: Jofra Archer burst onto the scene in the World Cup and Ashes summer.
- 2 Following winter: Archer bowled 42 overs on a flat pitch in Mount Maunganui.
- 3 Past 18 months: Archer has been on a diet of Twenty20 and ODI cricket.
- 4 This past week: Archer bowled 18 overs with a red ball for Sussex.
- 5 Friday: Rob Key spoke about Jofra Archer's readiness for Test cricket.
- 6 This Sunday: Second round of midsummer County Championship matches starts.
- 7 Next Wednesday: The second Test against India starts at Edgbaston.
- 8 Third Test: Archer is potentially lined up to play at Lord's.
- 9 End of July: The fifth Test, where Mark Wood's return is a possibility.
- Jofra Archer's return to Test cricket is being carefully managed, potentially delaying his appearance until the third Test.
- Mark Wood's return to cricket is also being monitored, with a possibility of playing in the fifth Test.
What: Rob Key, England's managing director, addressed concerns regarding Jofra Archer's return to Test cricket, emphasizing a cautious approach to his comeback.
When: Friday (Key's statement), next Wednesday (second Test starts), this past week (Archer played 18 overs for Sussex), 2019 (World Cup and Ashes summer), following winter (Mount Maunganui match), March (Mark Wood's knee surgery), 2023 (Mark Wood's impactful entrance in Ashes), this Sunday (second round of County Championship matches starts).
Where: Edgbaston (second Test), Lord's (third Test), Headingley (first Test), Mount Maunganui, Hove (Sussex vs Warwickshire match).
Why: To manage expectations and defend the strategy for Jofra Archer's return to Test cricket after multiple injury setbacks, aiming to ensure his long-term availability.
How: Key spoke at an event for series sponsors Rothesay, explaining the conservative build-up for Archer and highlighting Ben Stokes's role in managing impact players.