Overview

• Archer will make his first red-ball appearance in more than four years when he joins Sussex for their County Championship match at Chester-le-Street.
• His name was initially omitted from Sussex’s squad announcement, but the ECB confirmed he is among the travelling party.
• A strong performance could put him in contention for England’s second Test at Edgbaston on July 2 or the third at Lord’s from July 10.
• Since last playing a Test in February 2021, Archer has been restricted to white-ball formats due to stress fractures in his elbow and back.
• England captain Ben Stokes has said Archer repeatedly messaged him expressing eagerness to return to the longest format.