Jofra Archer hopes to be fit in time for England’s Test matches in West Indies
Injured England bowler Jofra Archer believes his best years of Test cricket are still ahead of him and is targeting a return on the tour of West Indies in March.
The 26-year-old was ruled out of the current Test series against India and this winter’s Ashes – as well as the T20 World Cup – after suffering a fresh stress fracture to his right elbow.
Given the nature of the injury, questions have been raised over Archer’s longevity in the longest format of the game and whether he would be able to retain the pace that has made him so effective in all formats of the game.
We’re gutted for you and all behind you, @JofraArcher.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 5, 2021
However, the Sussex paceman is confident he can return to full fitness and continue to produce in the five-day game.
In a column for the Daily Mail, he said: “When I got the news that I’d be out for the rest of 2021 because I had suffered another stress fracture in my elbow, it was pretty tough to take. But I’ve always been of the view that everything happens for a reason, and the injury doesn’t change the way I look at my career.
“I’ve said many times before that Test cricket is the most important format to me and nothing has changed in that respect. It’s frustrating to be sitting out an important series against India, as well as not being able to make the trip to Australia this winter — not to mention the Twenty20 World Cup in the UAE.
“If I do end up with another stress fracture, I may have a different view on things as regards to my future. But for the moment, I’m still only 26 and I think my best years as a Test cricketer are ahead of me.
“The reason I had an operation in May was because I wanted to sort out the problem once and for all. I don’t want this thing hanging over me. I want to be out there again, taking wickets and helping win games for England.”
While the injury will keep him out of the three high-profile events, Archer has his eye on making the tour to the Caribbean in March.
“I’m trying to be cautious about when I make my comeback, but I guess there’s a chance I’ll be ready in time for England’s three-Test series against West Indies in the Caribbean in March,” he added.
“But I can’t make any promises, and I’ll be seeing a specialist soon about the elbow.”
Latest
-
NewsLauren Winfield-Hill stars as Oval Invincibles begin title defence with big win
The home side defeated the Northern Superchargers by nine wickets.
-
NewsSam Curran the main man as Oval Invincibles beat Northern Superchargers
Curran scored 60 in his side’s three-wicket win at the Kia Oval.
-
NewsEngland opener Alex Lees keen to see aggressive approach adopted in county game
The Durham batter has used the break in Test cricket to spread the word.
-
News‘It was awesome’ – Will Smeed ends his 90s curse to hit Hundred’s first century
The youngster had fallen short of a maiden century on multiple occasions during the first half of 2022.
-
NewsWill Smeed becomes first batter to hit ton in Hundred during Birmingham win
The opener cracked an unbeaten 101 off 50 balls.
-
NewsWomen’s game on upward trend and schools an important target – Anya Shrubsole
The 30-year-old pace bowler was restricted to competing against boys during childhood.
-
NewsAustralia captain Meg Lanning taking break from cricket for personal reasons
The 30-year-old had been due to represent Trent Rockets in The Hundred.
-
-
NewsTributes pour in for former umpire Rudi Koertzen following death aged 73
The MCC said it was “saddened” to learn of Koertzen’s death.
-
EnglandLisa Keightley to step down as England head coach at the end of the summer
The Australian took over in January 2020 and led England to the final of this year’s World Cup.