The managing director of England's cricket team, Rob Key, expressed optimism about Archer's progress and hinted at his inclusion in the World Cup squad
06 April, 2024
PHOTO: AFP
England's cricket team is gearing up for a potential boost as Jofra Archer eyes a return to action ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, with the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan serving as a crucial stepping stone.
The managing director of England's cricket team, Rob Key, expressed optimism about Archer's progress and hinted at his inclusion in the World Cup squad.
Archer, who recently turned 29, has been sidelined from professional cricket since withdrawing from the IPL 2023 due to elbow discomfort. However, he has been actively working on his rehabilitation and is set to feature in club cricket matches in Barbados as part of his comeback strategy.
Key then decided to withdraw Archer from the current year's IPL to closely oversee his rehabilitation, raising optimism for his recovery. Key mentioned that Archer is expected to participate in the upcoming four-match T20I series against Pakistan, commencing on May 22 at Headingley, which presents an opportunity for him to regain his form and fitness.
However, with the ICC's provisional squad deadline set for May 1, there is a chance that Archer may have already secured a place in the World Cup squad by that time.
"Absolutely," Key told Sky Sports News. "Jofra, he's been out on Sussex's pre-season out in India. He bowled quickly out there, he bowled really well."
"He's now just gone back in the Caribbean, where he is going to play a little bit of club cricket, stuff like that - all about getting himself ready for that World T20. He'll play hopefully the Pakistan series. But it's always fingers crossed at the moment with Jofra," he said.
Key also discussed a comeback to Test cricket in 2025, featuring a significant series against India at home and an Ashes tour away. Archer, boasting 42 Test wickets at an average of 31.04, played his last match in February 2021, marking his 13th cap. Given the scarcity of bowlers consistently hitting above 90mph, England is optimistic that Archer, with some patience, can fully recover his form with the red ball.
"What we're going to do is take it slower than trying to go too quickly so that we get him back for not just a short period, we get him back for a long period. And the whole plan with Jofra is he's going to play white-ball cricket for this summer and going into the winter.
"Then hopefully next summer, when we play India, then into the Ashes, we get him back for Test cricket. It's a slow process just to get him back for all forms."
