England fans have been waiting for years to see Jofra Archer back in Test whites, but Stuart Broad has a strong message for those hoping for a dramatic return in the fifth Test against India — “Not yet.”
England’s legendary pacer Stuart Broad has sent out a warning signal before of the fifth and final Test against India, warning team management not to rush Jofra Archer back into action.
Speaking to the media, Stuart Broad made it clear that Archer’s long-term availability is more valuable than a short-term appearance in the final Test:
“We can’t not see him for another four years. That would be a disaster,” Broad said bluntly, emphasizing the importance of preserving Archer’s career instead of pushing him for a single match.
Archer last played a Test in 2021, and his comeback has been carefully managed due to recurring elbow issues. While his return to bowling in the nets and limited-overs formats has sparked excitement, Broad is wary of rushing him into the longer format too soon.
Broad also proposed that Gus Atkinson could be a more realistic replacement for the final Test at The Oval, given his red-ball form and lower injury risk.
“Atkinson has rhythm, confidence, and freshness. He could be a smart pick,” Broad added, hinting that England shouldn’t gamble with Archer when other capable options exist.
Archer made his comeback to Test cricket at Lord’s in the third Test, where he struck with his third ball back and claimed figures of 2-52 in the first innings and 3-55 in the second.
According to a report, the England camp is seriously considering resting Archer, especially with future series and the 2025-2026 Ashes in mind.
Former cricketers like Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton have also hinted at the importance of thinking long-term rather than reacting emotionally to a high-stakes game.
The fifth Test is no doubt important. India and England are locked in a fierce battle, and emotions are running high. But Broad isn’t thinking just about The Oval—he’s thinking about 2026, about the Ashes,
If rested, Jofra Archer may next feature in England’s limited-overs fixtures and possibly in The Hundred or County cricket. His red-ball return would likely be targeted for the winter tours or home summer of 2026—when he is expected to be fully match-fit and ready for extended spells.
