Archer makes Ashes admission as England star eyes Test return after injury hell

12 March 2023 , 11:06

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Jofra Archer has not played Test cricket since February 2021 due to injury, but is hoping to feature in this summer's Ashes (Image: Visionhaus)

Jofra Archer has admitted that playing more than one Ashes Test this summer would be a "bonus" as he continues his return from injury.

Archer spent almost two years on the sidelines with elbow and back injuries, missing two T20 World Cups and an Ashes tour of Australia. However, the 27-year-old has now been involved in two white ball tours with England since returning to action in January.

Archer's return comes as a major boost for England ahead of a home Ashes series and their 50-over World Cup defence, but the fast bowler is keen not to get carried away and risk another lengthy injury break.

"If I can play one game this summer, I'll be happy," Archer said, having last played Test cricket in February 2021. "If I can play more than one, that's just a bonus.

"I haven't lost an Ashes series as yet, so hopefully we can keep it that way. To be honest, coming back and playing cricket for England again means I have already done what I wanted to do.

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"I said 18 months ago, I was going to be back, and now I am back, hopefully I have a long career." And while Archer is happy with how his body has held up since his return, he remains philosophical about the future.

"Sometimes you've still got that feeling in the back of your mind that you're still not ready yet," he added. "But for me, I just put that behind me and whatever happens happens. If you're supposed to get injured again, then there's nothing you can do about it.

Archer has enjoyed an impressive return to action in white ball cricket and says he will be "happy" if he plays just one Ashes Test (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

"Until that times comes, I'm just going to give everything I've got. You're back here again so, you know, you might as well just give it your all.

"If I'm told I'm not playing, I don't question it. Usually back-to-back games, I don't even bother to ask because I already know what the answer is. There's a lot of cricket coming up and I'm just doing everything I can to stay on the park.

"I don't think I can play all of it, it wouldn't be sensible. Whatever the medical team tells me I can do, I'm all for it. I'm happy with how the body has held up. There is always more in tank but I'm progressing and peaking at the right time."

Matthew Cooper