England's pacer Jofra Archer is on track to make a comeback in the upcoming second Test against India, slated to start on July 2 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Reports confirm that Archer, sidelined due to a thumb injury sustained during the 2025 IPL while playing for Rajasthan Royals, is progressing well in his recovery. The injury kept him out of the opening Test against India and the solitary Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge. England’s national selector, Luke Wright, provided some hope for fans when he revealed that Archer might soon be back in action. Wright explained, “Joff’s trucking on really well, actually. The plans for him, he’s playing a few second-team games. 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.” This step is vital for assessing Archer’s match fitness after a long layoff. If all goes smoothly, Archer could be in the playing XI for the second Test against India. Wright added, “So, he’ll play for Sussex if all things go well, and then if all things go well fingers crossed he should be available for the second Test.” The selectors are cautiously optimistic, emphasizing the importance of steady progress without setbacks. Read also: India vs England Test Series Renamed for 2025 Archer’s Road Back and England’s Challenge Archer’s injury also forced him to miss England’s recent ODI series against West Indies from May 29 to June 3. His last Test appearance dates back to the 2021 India tour. As Wright noted, “Like anything with all these bowlers, he’s got to keep ticking things off every day with no setbacks but if all goes well and he gets through that Durham game then he’s available potentially for selection for that second Test.” England will look to start the new World Test Championship cycle on a strong note as they face India, beginning with the first Test at Headingley on June 20. After missing out on the finals in both the 2019–21 and 2023–25 WTC seasons, the team hopes Archer’s return adds much-needed firepower to their bowling attack. His comeback could prove crucial in their bid to challenge India on home soil and regain lost momentum in the Test arena.