Jofra Archer returns to first-class cricket after 4 years, dismisses England Lions batter who scored 122 runs against India A; watch video

England's Barbados-born fast bowler Jofra Archer returned to first-class cricket after a long gap of four years. Troubled by injuries, Archer has been away from England's Test squad. In a bid to return to the Ben Stokes-led side, Archer turned up for Sussex in the County Chamionship Division One 2025 game against Durham. After a cameo with bat at no.10, Archer was lethal with the ball. He bowled 14 overs including six maidens, conceded 28 runs and got the wicket of Durham opener Emilio Gay.

Archer was impressive with his first spell but did not get a wicket. In his second spell, he troubled Emilio and Will Rhodes. In the 33rd over, he trapped Emilio in front of the wickets with a fuller delivery from around the wicket. The opener departed for a 97-ball 37.

How Emilio performed against India A

Emilio was part of England Lions squad against India A. He scored 122 runs from three innings, including a half-century. In the first match, he scored 46 runs before losing his wicket to Harsh Dubey. In the second unofficial Test, he scored 71 runs. He was dismissed lbw by Tanush Kotian. In England Lions' second innings, he got out caught behind to Anshul Kamboj for a single-digit score.

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Durham batters do well 

Despite Archer being there in the lineup, Durham batters reduced the deficit to 112 runs. The top-order could not convert starts into big scores. Colin Ackermann scored 65 runs from 148 balls. Oliver Robinson departed in 30s as well. Graham Clark is unbeaten for 46 off 85 deliveries. Durham have 249/5 on the board, trailing by 112 runs. Apart from Archer, FJ Hudson-Prentince and Gurinder Sandhu claimed two wickets each.

Archer hits a few boundaries

Earlier, Archer was once again handy with the bat. He stopped a batting collapse and scored 31 runs from 34 balls, including three fours and a six. He shared a 61-run partnership for the ninth wicket with James Coles who remained unbeaten for 148.

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Archer in for second Test?

The second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, is scheduled to start on July 2. England are yet to announce their squad for the second Test. If Archer is fit, he is likely to be recalled as he can trouble Indian batters with raw pace.