Archer takes wicket on Sussex return at Durham

England fast bowler Jofra Archer marked his return from injury by taking a wicket for Sussex in their County Championship match against Durham.

Archer, who has been out of action since May with an elbow injury, bowled 12 overs on the first day of the match at Emirates Riverside.

The fiery paceman dismissed Durham opener Alex Lees for 12 in his sixth over, with a sharp delivery that found the edge and was caught behind by wicketkeeper Ben Brown.

Archer’s return to action is a welcome boost for England ahead of a busy summer of cricket, which includes a Test series against New Zealand and the T20 World Cup.

The 26-year-old has been plagued by injuries in recent years, but when fit, he is one of the most exciting bowlers in the world, capable of bowling in excess of 90mph.

Sussex will be hoping that Archer can stay fit and lead their bowling attack as they look to climb the County Championship table.

The match against Durham is Archer’s first competitive action since playing for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League in April.

England will be monitoring Archer’s progress closely as they prepare for a busy schedule of international cricket, including the Ashes series against Australia later this year.

Archer’s return to form and fitness will be a major boost for England as they look to reclaim the Ashes urn from their fiercest rivals.

It remains to be seen if Archer will be included in England’s squad for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, but his performance against Durham will have certainly caught the selectors’ attention.