'I can't tell you the amont of keyboard warriors...': Jofra Archer ecstatic to silence critics on Test comeback after 4 years

England pacer Jofra Archer shut down the "keyboard warriors" with his exceptional comeback at the iconic Lord's in the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. England won the Test by 22 runs to take a 2-1 lead. It was Archer's inclusion which turned favourable for the hosts. The 30-year-old made his return to the format with five crucial wickets including three in India's second innings. On Day 5, he sent Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar packing to push India's back against the wall.

While talking to Sky Sports, the speedstar admitted being emotional and how he hit back at his online critics after four years of constant bashing.

"I guess I was a little bit emotional. It was a long journey. I can't tell you the amount of keyboard warriors there have been over the last three or four years," he said.

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Archer made his return to the Test side after four years and turned the tide in England's favour after the historic Edgbaston defeat. The Barbados-born pacer spent most of his time recovering from series of injuries including stress fractures in his elbow and back followed by extensive rehabilitation.

"It was a long time coming - a lot of rehab, a lot of training," Archer added. "But it's moments like this that make it all worth it. The whole crowd gave me a huge lift," he added.

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Archer on workload in Test comeback

Archer bowled more than 39.2 overs in his comeback Test. He said that he surprised himself with the amount of overs he bowled.

"It was very hectic for a first Test back. I bowled more overs than I thought I would! I think I still have overs marked out until December, so I'm not totally out of the woods. But this is a good start," the tearaway pacer said.

England selectors made the right call

Though he was desperate to make an early comeback but he felt England's decision to play him at the Lords' was worth the wait.

"The hardest part has been playing cricket for the last year and a half and still having the training wheels on. Sometimes you think you're ready, but you never know until you do it. The safer way is the best way, so I'm not too fussed. This is surely worth the wait." he concluded.