Jofra Archer picks two wickets on his County return for Sussex; ready for New Zealand Tests

England pacer Jofra Archer has been on the sidelines since the tour of India due to elbow and finger injuries. He also underwent surgery for the same while missing the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, the fast bowler is set to make a comeback against New Zealand in Tests next month it seems.

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He first played for the Sussex 2nd XI to gauge his fitness and then was included in the first XI squad for the same County in the ongoing Championship. Archer took the field on Thursday against Kent and impressed with the ball. He bowled in full tilt to prove his fitness and sent down 13 overs.

Archer also ended up picking two wickets including that of his England teammate Zak Crawley as Kent were bundled out for just 155 in their first innings. Speaking of his return to cricket, Archer confirmed his fitness was returning back to normal and would love to play for England in the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand.

"It's great to play again with the lads who I've played with nearly all of my career. My fitness is fine, I thought I bowled okay. I played in the second team last week and it's good to get some confidence and I felt fine. I bowled in short spells for protection in case we had a long day but it was overcast, which helped a bit. There was a bit of management, but it all worked out.

"With the injury I have tried not to get too frustrated. If I'm fit, I guess I will play in the Test series and I feel alright. I would ideally have another game next week but we're off and then we play Northamptonshire. I don't know what the plan is but I'd be happy to play again before the Test series. I'd be happy to go into the bubble again," he said according to ESPNCricinfo.

The first of the two Tests between England and New Zealand is set to commence on June 2 at the Mecca of Cricket, Lord's.