Bethell Receives Central Contract Upgrade; Archer's ECB Deal Extended Through 2026
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New Delhi, Dec 4 (NationPress) Batter Jacob Bethell, who achieved an unbeaten fifty on his debut during England's eight-wicket victory over New Zealand at Christchurch, has secured a central contract lasting two years, until September 2026.
This development follows Bethell's initial white-ball appearances in September and his acquisition of an IPL 2025 contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, alongside a previous development contract granted last month.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) further announced that seam bowlers Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, who claimed ten wickets in Christchurch, and Matthew Potts have all had their contracts extended until September 2026.
Archer's inclusion in the ECB's contract extension list is significant, especially since he has not participated in Test cricket since February 2021 and has made a cautious return to white-ball cricket this year after battling elbow and back injuries.
His prior two-year agreement was due to end in October 2025, but this extension indicates that Archer, who also secured an IPL 2025 contract with Rajasthan Royals, remains a strong contender for England's Test series against India next year and the Ashes in Australia.
Ben Stokes, England's Test captain, has disclosed that Archer, 29, is starting to contemplate his return to Test cricket, mentioning that the fast bowler is eager to participate in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge commencing on May 22.
"Jof is a man of few words, even over WhatsApp. I received a message a couple of months ago that simply said ‘Zimbabwe?’. This indicates his keen interest in playing Test cricket for England. The enthusiasm surrounding Jofra is certainly justified. The most encouraging aspect is he is back on the field competing.
"I am certain he thought he might not get the opportunity to don an England shirt again – the injuries and surgeries he has endured could have ended the careers of many others – so there is no rush for his return.
"He is being managed very effectively by the ECB, and that will undoubtedly continue. There is no doubt he is performing remarkably well at the moment; it is essential to build his body to withstand the additional pressures of Test cricket," he stated to reporters.
Stokes expressed that Archer's re-entry into Test matches hinges on conditioning his body for the demands of bowling in longer formats. "When the decision is made between him and the decision-makers concerning players, I am confident there will be discussions about the need for different loading."
"You can return and participate in a one-day match and handle two or three spells. However, in Test cricket, you are expected to maintain that level over a longer duration and then repeat it on another day. It is clear he is performing exceptionally well currently; therefore, he must prepare his body to manage the extra strain of Test matches."
