Ben Stokes says Jofra Archer must build up his fitness to handle the "extra pressure of a Test match", after the pace bowler extended his contract with England up to September 2026.

Archer has not played a Test since 2021, with back and elbow injuries severely hampering his progress.

England have carefully managed the 29-year-old's involvement, and he has been part of their white-ball setup since May.

Although, it remains to be seen whether he will be involved in next year's five-match series with India or the Ashes, after he was signed by Rajasthan Royals in the recent Indian Premier League auction.

That means he will miss the early part of the 2025 County Championship season with Sussex due to an overlap in the competitions, and his red-ball action will be limited ahead of the series with India.

"The excitement is understandable around Jofra," Stokes said. "The best thing is he is back on the field playing.

"The injuries and surgeries he has gone through could have ended careers, so there is no rushing back.

"No doubt he is going so well at the moment. He will have to build the body up to handle the extra pressure of a Test match."

Jacob Bethell has also signed a new two-year deal with England, while seamers Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse have extended for another year.

The Test

With the Test@root66@Harry_Brook_88 pic.twitter.com/lXTxQExKwd

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