(AFP Photo)
Jofra Archer, the England fast bowler, is targeting a comeback to Test cricket with his sights set on the 2025-26 Ashes series in Australia. His absence from the longer format since February 2021 has been due to ongoing back and elbow injuries that have plagued him for the past three years.
Yet, his active role in England’s recent T20 World Cup campaign has raised hopes that his injury struggles could be a thing of the past.
“I am going to use the rest of this year to make sure that (playing in the next Ashes) is at least a possibility,” Archer said to BBC Sport. “I’m tired of going on Instagram and seeing posts saying ‘he’s going to be on the physio’s bed in the next two weeks’ and stuff like that. I want to spend the rest of the year proving some people wrong and hopefully play in another Ashes,” he said.
Archer left an indelible mark on England’s victorious 2019 World Cup journey, delivering the pivotal super over in the final against New Zealand. Following this triumph, he made his Ashes debut at Lord’s later that summer.
England’s managing director Rob Key has suggested that Archer could realistically aim for a comeback during the home series against India in 2025. During a BBC TV appearance covering The Hundred, Archer affirmed this timeline, stating his aim to return to first-class cricket early next summer.
“I will manage myself as best as possible and get myself (through) until at least maybe, the start of the Championship next year. I’ll probably play a few of those (games) and keep building up and getting that workload ready for Test cricket,” Archer said.
Archer is poised to make his highly anticipated debut in The Hundred as the Southern Brave face off against London Spirit in Southampton on Wednesday. “I am feeling good and want to get some games in. I am going to enjoy this little phase of some white-ball cricket,” he added.
