ENG vs IND 2025: 'I'll do everything to be on the plane in November' - Jofra Archer eyes Ashes after Test comeback

England pacer Jofra Archer has reaffirmed his ambition to be part of this winter’s Ashes series following a memorable return to Test cricket in England’s dramatic 22-run win over India at Lord’s. Archer, who had been sidelined from red-ball cricket for over four years due to persistent elbow and back injuries, made an immediate impact in his comeback fixture.

The 30-year-old struck with just his third delivery in the match and went on to claim five wickets across both innings, finishing with match figures of 5 for 105. He bowled 39.2 overs at speeds consistently around 145kph and over, and showcased both endurance and rhythm.

He now has a week to rest before the fourth Test at Old Trafford begins on July 23. Archer expressed his eagerness to play both remaining Tests in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, though he acknowledged that the team's management is still monitoring his bowling workload through to December.

“I can play the other two [against India] if they let me. I don't want to lose this series. I told Keysey [England men's managing director, Rob Key] I wanted to play the Test summer and I wanted to play the Ashes. I think one tick is already there, and I will do everything possible in my power to be on the plane in November,” Archer said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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The bowler's first outing under the leadership duo of captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum could hardly have gone better. The pacer expressed satisfaction that the long and difficult periods of rehabilitation had finally paid off.

“Obviously it [Test cricket] would have been the format which would have taken the most time to come back to. So I played 50-over [and] T20 for the last year, year-and-a-half, two years. And you always just wondered… The guys have played some really exciting cricket since Baz [McCullum] took over. I think the mentality of the team under Baz suits the way I like to play my cricket. So, you know, I just couldn't wait to get back and actually do it without having to be prompted to do it,” said Archer.

Archer’s first wicket, Yashasvi Jaiswal, caught at slip, sparked an emotional celebration, a reflection of what the moment meant after years away from red-ball internationals. However, the right-arm pacer was more composed and analytical about the significance of the breakthrough.

On Day 5, Archer’s intensity was on full display. He was visibly fired up, delivering animated send-offs to Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar after dismissing them at crucial moments. Alongside the captain, he delivered key blows that ultimately derailed India’s pursuit of 193, sealing a dramatic win for England.

“With the slope, that's how I bowl to left-handers anyway. So, I guess it was just a matter of when, if I kept bowling like that. I can't imagine many left-handers getting away with it,” the Caribbean-born said.

“I think everybody had a word today. It was nice that everybody… We went together as a group, as a pack basically. And, you know, it didn't matter if it wasn't just the bowler, you had the whole slip cordon, you had cover, you had mid-off. You had everybody going in with you. It's days like this that make Test cricket feel special,” he concluded.