Jofra Archer's long-awaited return to red-ball cricket made headlines for more than just his on-field performance. The England pacer, featuring for Sussex in the County Championship after a 1501-day gap, breached the tournament’s clothing regulations by wearing black socks—against the rulebook that permits only white or light grey. Archer played against Durham at Chester-le-Street, marking his first red-ball appearance since 2021, but now faces a likely fine or official warning from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Archer looked in solid rhythm with both bat and ball. He bowled 18 overs and had one wicket to his name, catching opener Emilio Gay lbw, and also contributed 31 runs off 34 balls with a useful hand. Yet it was his sock selection that caused the furor. Rules for the County Championship clearly state that players are required to play in white or light grey socks, thus rendering Archer's black socks in direct breach. Such infractions normally earn players financial fines or disciplinary action.

Interestingly, Archer is not alone in this fashion misstep. Indian captain Shubman Gill was also seen wearing black socks during the ongoing Headingley Test and is under scrutiny by the ICC for the same. Both cases have drawn attention to strict clothing codes in red-ball cricket, which, while rarely enforced, remain binding for all players.

Archer’s Return Gains Momentum Despite Error

Despite the minor off-field blunder, Archer’s return has been promising. With his performance against Durham, he is now strongly in contention for a place in England’s Test side for the second Test against India at Edgbaston starting July 2. It would mark his first red-ball match for England in nearly four years.

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The comeback of the fast bowler from chronic injuries has been under observation, and this match is a step in this direction towards the international arena. While the incident with the sock may result in a small punishment, it hasn't cooled down the building excitement regarding Archer's comeback to the Test stage.

The 32-year-old Indian left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat has signed a multi-year extended contract with the English County team Sussex. 

Jaydev Unadkat started to play for Sussex in 2023, where the left-arm pacer took 11 wickets in three County Championship matches. Later, in the 2024 season, while Sussex won the Division Two title, Unadkat picked up 22 wickets in five matches with an average of 14.40. In the latest County Championship season, Unadkat ended with the best bowling average for his team. 

Good Old Sussex by The Sea has my heart: Jaydev Unadkat

Now, Unadkat has signed a two-year contract with Sussex. It means that the left-arm pacer will serve Sussex in the 2025 and 2026 County Championship seasons. 

In the official statement, Undakat said, "When I came to Hove last year, I wasn't sure what was on offer in the County Championship and how would I adapt to it. But after a few games now, I can definitely say Hove is my home away from home and Good Old Sussex by The Sea has my heart.”

One of the most popular and nicest guys any team could wish for: Sussex head coach

Meanwhile, Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace is excited with this contract extension news.  

Farbrace said, "Everyone at Hove is very pleased and excited that Jaydev [Unadkat] has signed a two-year extension and will be returning to the Club for the next two seasons. 

"Jaydev's quality on the pitch has been so evident for everyone else to see, but just as importantly his qualities as a person make him one of the most popular and nicest guys any team could wish for."

Undakat is currently busy in the Ranji Trophy where he is leading Saurashtra. 

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India will tour England in the 2025 summer

While Unadkat is ready to return to Sussex for the next season, India will interestingly tour England in the 2025 summer for a five-match Test series. If the team India suffers any injury issue in the pace bowling line-up, Unadkat can be a good option. 

Unadkat made his international cricket debut in 2010 and has played four Tests, eight ODIs, and ten T20Is to pick up three, nine, and 14 wickets, respectively. 

During India's tour of the West Indies and the United States in 2023, Unadkat played his last Test and ODI matches. His last T20I was the Nidahas Trophy 2018 Final.

In his first-class cricket career, Unadkat has taken 425 wickets in 119 matches. He has also picked up 179 List A wickets and 226 T20 wickets in 124 and 191 matches, respectively.  

Jofra Archer, the England fast bowler, showcased his skills as he bowled for a Karnataka team during a practice match against Sussex at the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) on Friday, March 15.

Archer’s Training Camp in India

Archer arrived in India as part of a 10-day training camp for his County Championship side, Sussex, in Bengaluru. The camp aimed to prepare the team for the upcoming County season, with Lancashire also participating in a similar training program in Bengaluru.

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Although Archer did not bowl on the opening day of the tour game, he joined the Karnataka team as a substitute on Friday. Displaying his talent, Archer picked up two wickets in the morning session, including a stump-breaker delivery, showcasing his rhythm and skill.

Sussex Cricket Club Tweeted:

Jofra Archer is back in action! The speedster makes an impactful return during a practice match for a Karnataka team against Sussex in Bengaluru. Picking up two wickets, including a stump-breaker, Archer showed he’s in fine form. Great to see him back on the field!

After seeing the video, cricket fans started speculating that Jofra would be featured for RCB in the upcoming IPL season.

Future Prospects of Archer

Archer has been recovering from a stress fracture in his right elbow, which required surgery following the IPL 2023 season, where he represented the Mumbai Indians. Due to the recurrence of the injury, Archer opted out of IPL 2024, focusing on his rehabilitation and workload management under the guidance of the England and Wales Cricket Board.