ECB extends Jofra Archer's central contract

England's ace pacer Jofra Archer's journey back to Test cricket has been very straightforward. After years of suffering from injuries, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has extended his central contract.

The 29-year-old has experienced a rollercoaster ride in international cricket. The speedster who burst onto the scene during the 2019 ODI World Cup and Ashes, saw his career was repeatedly interrupted by severe injuries. Stress fractures in his elbow and back injuries have derailed his career.

The ECB has shown its belief in Archer's potential with his recent extension of the central contract through October 2026. This year Archer made 20 appearances across white-ball formats and was the joint leading wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup, claiming 10 wickets at an average of 19.00. England captain Ben Stokes has been particularly vocal about Archer's Test aspirations. 

"The excitement is understandable around Jofra. The best thing is he is back on the field playing. I am sure he might have thought he might not have the chance to put on an England shirt again and the injuries and surgeries he has gone through could have ended other people's careers so there is no rushing back for anything for Jofra," Stokes said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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He is going so well at the moment: Ben Stokes

Furthermore, the Rajasthan Royals have acquired the services of the pacer for the upcoming IPL 2025. The ECB's strategy is potentially targeting the home series against India beginning June 20 at Lord's. County Championship matches in late June could help Archer adapt to the fast-paced cricket.

"When the decision gets made between him and the people who make those decisions around players, I am sure there will be conversations that he will have to get some different loading.You can come back and play a one-day game and get two or three different spells. But in Test cricket you have to do that over a long period of time and then another day to back it up. There is no doubt he is going so well at the moment, it is a case of he will have to build the body up to handle the extra pressure of a Test match," Stokes added.