As the much-anticipated Test series between England and India draws closer, Ben Stokes and his squad have received a significant lift with the potential return of pace sensation Jofra Archer. The five-match series, which kicks off on June 20 at Headingley, is expected to be one of the most intense clashes in the ICC World Test Championship 2025 cycle, and England’s chances look much brighter with the prospect of Archer rejoining the fold.
Archer, who last played Test cricket in 2021, has been on a prolonged road to recovery after a series of injuries, including stress fractures and elbow issues. For the past few years, he has been in and out of rehab, trying to regain full fitness. Now, the signals coming from England’s camp suggest that he is nearing a return to red-ball cricket, and could even be in contention for selection from the second Test onwards, provided he proves his match readiness in domestic fixtures.
The fast bowler is scheduled to take part in second XI matches and may feature for Sussex in an upcoming county game, which will serve as a final assessment of his fitness. His express pace, ability to extract bounce, and sharp movement make him a game-changer in English conditions, and his inclusion would add serious firepower to an England pace attack already grappling with injury concerns.
England are currently dealing with a few absentees and niggles. Gus Atkinson, who impressed in recent appearances, is nursing a hamstring injury and will miss at least the opening match of the series. Veteran seamers like James Anderson have been preserved for key assignments, while the likes of Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue will shoulder the workload in the initial stages. Archer’s return could be perfectly timed to rotate the attack and keep the bowlers fresh throughout the demanding series.
Captain Ben Stokes himself is making a careful return to full fitness after suffering a hamstring injury late last year. Although he featured against Zimbabwe earlier this month and bowled impressively, he opted out of an England Lions fixture to manage his workload, choosing instead to focus fully on the India series. Stokes’ presence both as captain and a genuine all-rounder is invaluable to England’s balance, and any boost to his bowling arsenal only strengthens the team’s prospects.
England’s squad for the opening Test features a mix of youth and experience. Jamie Overton has been recalled despite carrying a minor injury, while Brydon Carse and Jacob Bethell, both of whom toured with England recently, have been given further opportunities. The return of key names and the emergence of new talent speak to the depth England has built in recent years, but Archer remains a unique asset.
If Archer is cleared to play, it will mark a triumphant moment in his career after a long and uncertain recovery journey. More importantly, it would give England an edge against an Indian side known for its formidable batting depth. His presence could be the X-factor England needs to swing the series in their favour.
With the return of Archer on the horizon and Stokes regaining full fitness, the mood in the England camp is optimistic. As preparations intensify for the first ball at Headingley, the team knows that these timely positives might be just what they need to overcome a strong Indian challenge and start the summer on a high.