England’s returning fast bowler Jofra Archer made his long-awaited return to Test cricket with a bang, playing a greater role in England’s phenomenal 22-run win against India in the third Test at Lord’s on Monday. The victory gave England an upper hand in the series, moving 2-1 up in the series with two Tests to play. Archer, who was away from Test cricket for nearly four years due to a series of elbow and back injuries, contributed with three crucial wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Washington Sundar in England’s hard-fought win.
"It was pretty hectic, for the first game back. I probably bowled a few more overs than I thought I would've, but every single one mattered so I'm not too fussed about it,” Archer told Sky Sports.
Before his return to the longest format, Archer struggled a lot with injuries, undergoing surgeries on a stress fracture to his elbow and managing a stress fracture in his back. Despite all this, Archer made a courageous return.
"A lot of rehab, a lot of training but it's moments like this that make everything worth it," Archer said.
"I feel the hardest part is playing cricket for the last year and a half, and then still having training, talking about workloads, and 'bowl today, don't bowl tomorrow', stuff like that.”
"That would probably be the hardest part, because some days you think that you're ready, but you never know if you're ready or not until you do it. But the safer way is the best way. So I'm not too fussed. This surely, surely is worth it,” he said.