Fast bowler Jofra Archer could make his long-awaited return to red-ball cricket in the second game of the five-match England vs India 2025 Test series, according to England national selector Luke Wright.

The second match of the England vs India series will begin on July 2 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Jofra Archer was initially slated to play in the first England vs India Test at Headingley, set to begin on June 20, but a right thumb injury sustained last month ruled him out.

“If all things go well, he (Archer) should be available for the second Test," Wright was quoted as saying by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

"The plan is for him to play a few second-team games, loading up in the second team for Sussex. And then the idea for him is to play for Sussex against Durham during the first Test," Luke Wright added.

The 30-year-old speedster, who plays for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, last played a first-class match for Sussex in May 2021 and has not featured in a Test match since February 2021 owing to injuries.

Archer, incidentally, last played a Test match against India in Ahmedabad.

The English speedster has taken 42 wickets from 13 Tests at an average of 31.04, including two six-wicket hauls during the 2019 Ashes.

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Archer had a decent run in IPL 2025, featuring in 12 games for the Royals and picking up 11 wickets. He was also one of the quickest bowlers in IPL 2025, clocking a 152.3 kmph delivery in the match against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.

England’s Test series against India begins at Headingley on June 20, followed by the Edgbaston Test (July 2–6), Lord’s (July 10–14), Old Trafford (July 23–27), and The Oval (July 31–August 4).